Employing forward osmosis technology through hybrid system configurations for the production of potable/pure water: A review

Abstract

Forward osmosis (FO) technology has received increasing attention from many researchers since the last decade. It is an osmotically driven membrane process in which water migrates across a semi-permeable membrane from a lower osmotic pressure feed solution to a higher osmotic pressure draw solution. FO technology is often applied as a hybrid system rather than a standalone process. The purpose of this paper is to review the different types of hybrid system configurations employing FO technology for the production of potable/pure water. The integration of FO technology with other processes which include reverse osmosis, crystallisation, membrane bioreactor, nanofiltration, and electrodialysis are presented and described in-depth. With the flourishing of various FO hybrid system configurations, it is believed that FO technology will play a vital role in the water processing industry.