Effectiveness of membrane technologies in removing emerging contaminants from wastewater: Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration

Abstract

Pollution by emerging contaminants represents a serious risk to water quality and public health. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of advanced technologies, specifically reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, in removing these contaminants. The methodology was based on the PRISMA statement for article selection, ensuring a rigorous and transparent approach. Exhaustive searches were conducted in the Scopus database, and the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) methodology was applied to formulate clear and structured research questions. This allowed identifying relevant studies addressing the effectiveness of membrane technologies in removing emerging contaminants. The results of the systematic review revealed that both reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are highly effective in reducing emerging contaminants, with removal rates exceeding 90 % in many cases. Reverse osmosis proved to be particularly effective for smaller molecular compounds, while nanofiltration showed good results for larger contaminants. However, significant limitations and challenges have been identified in this field of research, such as membrane fouling, which can reduce process efficiency and increase operating costs. Furthermore, the need for adequate pretreatment to optimize performance and management of waste generated during treatment are critical aspects that require attention. Regarding the costs associated with the implementation of these technologies, the importance of assessing economic viability in large-scale applications is highlighted. Although these technologies offer promising solutions, a comprehensive approach combining advanced treatment with sustainable water management is required to effectively address emerging pollution.