Research

Micro-pollutant removal by salt permeating polyelectrolyte multilayer based nanofiltration membranes

Introduction
The rising concentration of aquatic contaminants, also referred to as micropollutants, in surface and drinking water is a current environmental issue of concern. Micropollutants are small organic molecules with variable chemical properties that originate among others from industrial, medical, and agricultural waste. Even though the observed concentrations are still very low, micropollutants are potentially harmful to humans, organisms, and the environment. Also, there is very little knowledge of synergetic effects. Current waste-water treatment technologies are not capable of retaining these molecules leading to the introduction of micropollutants to surface water. To overcome this challenge, advanced separation technologies need to be developed. One promising technique to retain these micropollutants is the use of nanofiltration.

Keywords
Polyelectrolyte multilayers, nanofiltration, numerical modeling, micropollutants

Scientific challenges
Transport properties of newly designed membranes need to be understood to allow prediction of process performance.

Research goals
Theoretical model to predict membrane performance.