Evaluation of the effect of body fluid analogs on the parameters of nanofiltration during the purification of swimming pool water

Abstract

This study presents the possible application of membrane nanofiltration for purifying swimming pool water by removing compounds from human body secretions. The effect of the matrix (swimming pool, demineralized, tap water) on the analyzed pollutants was evaluated. We used asymmetric flat membranes (polyamide-thin film composite) in a dead-end filtration system. The effect of the matrix on the transport properties of the membranes was noticeable. A maximum reduction in value of permeate flux was obtained for 15.6 μL fluid analog solution/L of pool water. For all the analyzed matrices, a distinct reduction in the value of relative permeate flux was obtained along with an increase in the content of the investigated compounds in the feed. There was a marked increase in the separation properties along with an increase in the pollutants. The average value of the retention coefficient for total organic carbon was 87.21% and 79.67% for the concentrations of 3.90 and 15.60 μL fluid analog solution/L of pool water, respectively. This study provides evidence that further research into highly effective solutions for purifying pool water would be beneficial.