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Membrane Technologies for Nitrogen Recovery from Waste Streams: Scientometrics and Technical Analysis
Raed A Al-Juboori1, Muayad Al-Shaeli2, Saif Al Aani3
1NYUAD Water Research Centre, New York University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates.
Membranes
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Nitrogen recovery from wastewater, using membrane technologies, offers energy savings and meets discharge limits. Gas permeable membranes show promise for industrial application and further research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Reactive nitrogen levels are exceeding planetary limits, with significant anthropogenic nitrogen entering wastewater.
- Conventional nitrogen removal processes are energy-intensive, driving the need for efficient recovery systems.
- Membrane technologies are crucial for effective nitrogen recovery and wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of nitrogen recovery systems, focusing on membrane technologies.
- To evaluate the performance of various membrane technologies based on scientific literature.
- To propose a practical framework for selecting hybrid systems for nitrogen recovery.
Main Methods:
- Scientometric analysis of nitrogen recovery research.
- Literature-based evaluation of membrane technologies for nitrogen recovery.
- Comparison of membrane technologies based on energy consumption, efficiency, and scalability.
Main Results:
- Research focus has shifted towards marketable product generation using advanced membrane materials and designs.
- Gas permeable membranes (GPMs), especially in hybrid systems, demonstrate high potential for nitrogen recovery.
- GPMs offer promising energy efficiency and recovery rates, warranting industrial consideration.
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen recovery is essential for environmental sustainability and resource management.
- Hybrid systems integrating gas permeable membranes are the most promising for industrial-scale nitrogen recovery.
- Future research should align with industry needs for improved membrane materials and system designs.
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