Atenolol removal by nanofiltration: a case-specific mass transfer correlation

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Separation Processes

Background:

• Concentration polarization is a key challenge in membrane separations, often leading to reduced performance and membrane fouling.
• Treating pharmaceutical wastewater, such as that containing atenolol, requires effective separation techniques to prevent environmental contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a case-specific mass transfer correlation to assess concentration polarization during nanofiltration of atenolol-containing pharmaceutical wastewater.
• To investigate the impact of operating conditions on concentration polarization and mass transfer coefficients.

Main Methods:

• Conducted nanofiltration (NF) experiments using two membranes, varying atenolol concentrations, and three feed circulating velocities.
• Determined experimental mass transfer coefficients using film theory to quantify concentration polarization.
• Developed a correlation relating mass transfer coefficients to Reynolds number (Re), Schmidt number (Sc), and membrane permeability (Lp+).

Main Results:

• Higher feed circulating velocities resulted in higher mass transfer coefficients and reduced concentration polarization.
• A novel correlation was established: Sh = 1.98 × 10^4 Re^0.5 Sc^0.33 Lp+^0.32.
• The developed correlation showed good agreement with experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The derived mass transfer correlation is a valuable tool for predicting and managing concentration polarization in atenolol wastewater treatment by nanofiltration.
• Effective control of concentration polarization can enhance the productivity and selectivity of the nanofiltration process.
• This research provides practical insights for water practitioners dealing with similar pharmaceutical wastewater streams.