Chemical Regeneration of Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Micropollutant Removal from Wastewater

Abstract

Incomplete removal of micropollutants in wastewater treatment leads to contamination of the aquatic environment. Mixed-matrix membranes with different shares of embedded adsorbents are considered promising for the elimination of commonly found pharmaceuticals. However, their ideal geometry and reusability after a loading cycle remain uncertain. In this study, the life cycle of loaded membranes could be extended through chemical regeneration with ethanol at different temperatures. Moreover, membrane stability and adsorbent-to-membrane-area ratio could be enhanced through a seven-bore geometry.