Science & Technology, Singapore (Commonwealth Union) – Wastewater treatment is the process of removing pollutants and contaminants from wastewater, so that it can be safely returned to the environment or reused. This process is essential for maintaining the health and safety of both humans and ecosystems, as untreated wastewater can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that can cause serious illnesses and environmental damage.
The process of wastewater treatment typically involves several stages, each designed to remove different types of pollutants and contaminants. The first stage is called primary treatment, which involves physical processes to remove large solids and debris from the wastewater. This is usually done by passing the wastewater through a series of screens, filters, and sedimentation tanks, where the solids settle to the bottom and are removed.
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) joined hands with SideStroem Water Technologies to produce nanofiltration-type forward osmosis (NF-FO) membranes for resource recovery. NF-FO membranes are a type of membrane used in water treatment processes. These membranes are designed to selectively remove salts, organic compounds, and other contaminants from water by using a combination of nanofiltration and forward osmosis processes.
Nanofiltration is a type of membrane filtration that uses membranes with pore sizes in the range of 1-10 nanometers. These membranes can selectively remove particles and ions based on their size and charge. Forward osmosis, on the other hand, is a process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate water from dissolved solutes. In this process, a concentrated solution is used to create a driving force that pulls water through the membrane and into a dilute solution.
One of the major advantages of NF-FO membranes is their high selectivity for certain contaminants, such as heavy metals, organic compounds, and salts. These membranes can also operate at low pressures, which reduces energy costs and increases the lifespan of the membrane. Additionally, NF-FO membranes can be used to treat a wide range of water sources, including seawater, brackish water, and industrial wastewater.
The partnership between SIT and SideStroem paves way for the company to benefit from SIT’s strengths in membrane development, optimization while going further, with SIT’s strong focus on applied and translational research. The SIT team engages closely with industry partners to provide their backing to the formation of novel membrane technologies for liquid-liquid separation, wastewater treatment, desalination, along with resource recovery.
Principal Investigator Associate Professor Zuo Jian from the SIT Food, Chemical and Biotechnology cluster expressed his views in relation to the emerging technology by saying “NF-type FO technologies combine the advantages of nanofiltration and forward osmosis. NF-FO membranes have higher water permeability than conventional FO membranes and they can separate monovalent ions and small organic molecules from wastewater solution, which provides opportunities for resource recovery. The technology is ideally suited for applications in textile and tannery and fermentation industries.”
Certain challenges associated with the use of NF-FO membranes by many different organizations utilizing the technology. One of the main challenges is the fouling of the membrane, which can occur when contaminants accumulate on the membrane surface and reduce its effectiveness. This can be mitigated through regular cleaning and maintenance of the membrane.
The nanofiltration-type forward osmosis membranes have shown promising signs as a technology for water treatment processes, offering high selectivity and low energy costs. With further research and development, these membranes could play an important role in meeting the growing demand for clean and safe water resources.
Wastewater treatment is an essential process for maintaining the health and safety of both humans and ecosystems. By removing pollutants and contaminants from wastewater, we can protect our water resources and ensure that they remain safe and healthy for future generations. The collaboration between SIT and SideStroem is likely to play a crucial role in further enhancing wastewater treatment.
