Sustainability in Membrane Technology: Membrane Recycling and Fabrication Using Recycled Waste

Abstract

Membrane technology has shown a promising role in combating water scarcity, a globally faced challenge. However, the disposal of end-of-life membrane modules is problematic as the current practices include incineration and landfills as their final fate. In addition, the increase in population and lifestyle advancement have significantly enhanced waste generation, thus overwhelming landfills and exacerbating environmental repercussions and resource scarcity. These practices are neither economically nor environmentally sustainable. Recycling membranes and utilizing recycled material for their manufacturing is seen as a potential approach to address the aforementioned challenges. Depending on physiochemical conditions, the end-of-life membrane could be reutilized for similar, upgraded, and downgraded operations, thus extending the membrane lifespan while mitigating the environmental impact that occurred due to their disposal and new membrane preparation for similar purposes. Likewise, using recycled waste such as polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, tire rubber, keratin, and cellulose and their derivates for fabricating the membranes can significantly enhance environmental sustainability. This study advocates for and supports the integration of sustainability concepts into membrane technology by presenting the research carried out in this area and rigorously assessing the achieved progress. The membranes’ recycling and their fabrication utilizing recycled waste materials are of special interest in this work. Furthermore, this study offers guidance for future research endeavors aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.

Water Reuse: A Comprehensive Review

“…The above processes are very energy-intensive, but they can treat wastewater with a high load concentration and reach an efficiency rate almost equal to 100% [16,37]. Membrane technology offers numerous benefits such as high-quality treated water, compact and durable construction, cost-effective operation, and maintenance [38]. Membrane processes such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) are highly effective in removing contaminants from water, including bacteria, viruses, dissolved salts, and organic compounds [39].…”

“…Different membrane types and configurations can be utilized to achieve desired water quality standards. While membrane processes require initial investment, they can offer long-term cost savings by reducing the need for freshwater intake and wastewater disposal [38]. The cost of membrane technology has been decreasing over time due to advancements.…”

Bacterial Nanocellulose Produced by Cost-Effective and Sustainable Methods and Its Applications: A Review

“…However, its widespread adoption on a large scale is impeded by various challenges, encompassing complex operational procedures, high operational costs, concerns regarding toxicity, limited recyclability, and the generation of hazardous by-products. Hence, there is a critical imperative to explore materials that offer cost-effectiveness and environmental compatibility [197]. Addressing some of these challenges, BC-based separation membranes have shown promise.…”