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Organic ionic salt draw solutions for osmotic membrane bioreactors
Katie S Bowden1, Andrea Achilli, Amy E Childress
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno/M.S. 258, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Organic ionic salts show promise as draw solutions in osmotic membrane bioreactors, offering lower salt flux and aiding nutrient removal. This study details their performance and a method for determining salt diffusion coefficients.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) are advanced wastewater treatment systems.
- Draw solutions are critical components in OMBRs, facilitating water removal.
- Current inorganic draw solutions like NaCl and MgCl(2) have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate organic ionic salt solutions as draw solutions for OMBRs.
- To present a method for determining ionic salt diffusion coefficients.
- To assess the performance of organic ionic draw solutions based on specific salt flux, biodegradability, and cost.
Main Methods:
- Desktop screening of organic ionic draw solutions.
- Laboratory testing and performance evaluation.
- Determination of specific salt flux (reverse salt flux per unit water flux).
- Assessment of biodegradation potential and replenishment cost.
Main Results:
- Two organic ionic salts exhibited specific salt fluxes 3-6 times lower than NaCl and MgCl(2).
- All tested organic anions demonstrated potential for biodegradation within the bioreactor.
- Organic ionic salts can serve as a carbon source and enhance nutrient removal.
Conclusions:
- Organic ionic salt solutions offer significant advantages over inorganic draw solutions in OMBRs.
- These solutions can improve treatment efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- The developed method provides a simple way to determine diffusion coefficients for draw solutions.
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