Removal of ametryn through nanofiltration and reverse osmosis

Abstract

This study focused on the performance of nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) in the removal of ametryn. Here, we investigated the effects of the applied pressure and ionic conditions on the removal of ametryn from water. It was found that the adsorption of ametryn onto NF membrane to decrease with the increase in ionic strength. Increased interaction between the NaCl electrolyte and the membrane surface is considered as the reason for the reduction in the adsorption. However, adsorption of ametryn onto the RO membrane did not show any trend. The removal of ametryn by NF and RO found to increase with the increase in the ionic strength. Retention of electrolyte salt (NaCl) on the membrane surface tends to decrease the membrane pore size which in turn increases the removal of ametryn at higher ionic strengths. It was found that up to 92% of ametryn could be removed using RO. © 2013 © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.