HYBRID MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADVANCED REMOVAL OF EMERGING CONTAMINANTS FROM WASTEWATER

Abstract

Emerging pollutants (ECs), such as drugs, cosmetics, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors, are highly resistant to wastewater treatment and tend to be toxic and persistent. The conventional treatment processes are not efficient in removing micro-pollutants. Hybrid membrane technologies, which combine membrane filtration with advanced oxidation, adsorption, or biotechnology, offer improved removal efficiency while minimizing membrane fouling. This article critically assesses the majority of the most critical hybrid configurations, such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), membrane-adsorption systems, and membrane-photocatalysis, emphasizing their mechanisms, operating efficiency, and removal capacity of effluent contaminants. The article also addresses integration schemes and highlights future challenges related to cost and sustainability