Effect of pH and MWCO on textile effluents ultrafiltration by tubular ceramic membranes

Abstract

Textile industries are considered as one of the most polluting among all the industrial sectors. Therefore, the disposal of textile effluents without the appropriate treatment entails high environmental risks. Moreover, and due to water shortage situations, industries are becoming aware of the need for investing in innovative treatment technologies for water reclamation, such as membrane filtration. This work studies the performance of three commercial ceramic ultrafiltration membranes treating raw effluents from a textile mill. The effect of both pH and molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) on membrane performance was determined while working on concentration mode. Results showed a noticeable influence of both pH and MWCO on process performance. The best results were obtained for the lowest pH tested (8). At higher pH values, higher fouling rates were achieved. On the other hand, higher fluxes were obtained as MWCO was increased but simultaneously, higher rates of membrane fouling were also observed. Permeate ...