Mechanisms of arsenate removal and membrane fouling in ferric based coprecipitation–low pressure membrane filtration systems

Arslan Ahmad, Sam Rutten, Luuk de Waal, Peter Vollaard, Case van Genuchten, Harry Bruning, Emile Cornelissen, Albert van der Wal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ferric based coprecipitation–low pressure membrane filtration is a promising arsenic (As) removal method, however, membrane fouling mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study we investigated the effect of feed water composition and membrane pore size on arsenate [As(V)] removal and membrane fouling. We observed that As removal efficiency was independent of the membrane pore size because the size of the Fe(III) particles was larger than the pore size of the membranes, attributed to a high calcium concentration in the feed water. Arsenic coprecipitation with Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides rapidly reached equilibrium before membrane filtration, within 1 min. Therefore, As removal efficiency was not improved by increasing residence time before membrane filtration. The removal of As(V) was strongly dependent on feed water composition. A higher Fe(III) dose was required to reduce As(V) to sub-µg/L levels for feed water containing higher concentration of oxyanions such as phosphate and silicate, and lower concentration of cations such as calcium. Cake-layer formation was observed to be the predominant membrane fouling mechanism.

Original languageEnglish
Article number116644
Number of pages9
JournalSeparation and Purification Technology
Volume241
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2020

Keywords

  • Arsenic removal
  • Coprecipitation
  • Groundwater treatment
  • Iron chloride
  • Microfiltration
  • Ultrafiltration

Programme Area

  • Programme Area 2: Water Resources

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanisms of arsenate removal and membrane fouling in ferric based coprecipitation–low pressure membrane filtration systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this