Membrane-Based Separation Processes in Wastewater Treatment

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of membrane technologies applied to wastewater treatment, detailing the different types of membranes (microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialysis (ED), membrane distillation) and their operating principles, based on size exclusion, adsorption, and electrostatic interactions. It examines the materials used (organic and inorganic), their characteristics, and surface modifications to improve performance. Applications cover municipal and industrial water treatment, desalination, water reuse, and sludge reclamation. The chapter also assesses performance parameters (flow, clogging, durability, energy consumption) and addresses key limitations such as clogging, costs, and operational constraints. Finally, it highlights recent advances such as smart membranes, innovative materials, and hybrid systems, underlining the key role of membranes in sustainable and efficient management of water resources.