Fate and removal of trace pollutants from an anion exchange spent brine during the recovery process of natural organic matter and salts

Journal article (2019)

Authors

E.M.H. Vaudevire PWNT Water Technology, OLD BT/Cell Systems Engineering , BT/Environmental Biotechnology - AS , Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology
F. Radmanesh University of Twente
Annemieke Kolkman KWR Water Research Institute
Dennis Vughs KWR Water Research Institute
E. R. Cornelissen Nanyang Technological University, Universiteit Gent, KWR Water Research Institute
Jan Post Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology
W.G.J. van der Meer Oasen, University of Twente
Research Group
BT/Environmental Biotechnology (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2019 E.M.H. Vaudevire, Farzaneh Radmanesh, Annemieke Kolkman, Dennis Vughs, Emile Cornelissen, Jan Post, W.G.J. van der Meer
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.01.042
Electrodialysis Humic substances Anion exchange Organic micro-pollutants Metal traces
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

BT/Biotechnologie

Research Group

BT/Environmental Biotechnology

Abstract

The results of this sampling campaign on pilot scale processes aim to evaluate the occurrence and behavior of trace organic micro-pollutants and metal elements during anion exchange treatment of surface water and the subsequent treatment of generated spent brine with two types of electrodialysis membrane pairs. This knowledge is relevant to assess the quality and reusability of secondary products created during brine treatment; specifically the excess of sodium chloride to be recycled onsite and the natural organic matter, mostly consisting of humic substances, which find multiple applications in the agricultural industry. This study highlights that (1) the attachment mechanism of organic micro-pollutants to anion exchange resin occurs through electrostatic interaction and the subsequent transfer through ion exchange membranes is restricted by size exclusion; and (2) the complexation of trace metals compounds with the natural organic matter partly explains their removal by anion exchange. Complexes remain stable during treatment of the brine with electrodialysis.