Trend and Novel Possibilities of Dairy Wastewater Treatment by Membrane Filtration

Abstract

Membrane separation processes for wastewater treatment in dairy industry gives so many benefits such as less ecological footprint, reliable contaminant removal, low cost, possibility of renewable energy use, simple technology and can easily integrate with other processes. However, the fouling issue limits its widespread application. Self-cleaning membrane technology, through membrane modification by heterogeneous photo-catalytic nanomaterials and their composites, has been given more attention by many researchers. In this paper, characteristics of dairy wastewater and possible membrane separation processes applications in dairy wastewater treatment are summarised and discussed. Fouling mechanisms of protein, the interaction of molecules, factors affecting fouling are highlighted. Physical, chemical, and self-cleaning fouling control and mitigation strategies are reviewed. Membrane modifications by renewable or non-renewable energy-driven heterogeneous photo-catalysis and possible ways that enhance the photocatalytic efficiency are also addressed. Finally, challenges and prospective solutions are reviewed.