Membrane processes used for removal of pharmaceuticals, hormones, endocrine disruptors and their metabolites from wastewaters: a review

The presence of pharmaceuticals, hormones, endocrine disruptors, and their metabolites in aquatic environments has recently attracted particular attention due to their potential risks and adverse health effects. Membrane processes as widely used technologies in wastewater treatment have played a significance role in elimination of pharmaceuticals, hormones, endocrine disruptors, and their metabolites from wastewaters. In the current research, membrane processes which are used for the removal of these pollutants have been classified into three main categories, namely membrane filtration processes (UF, NF, and RO), membrane bioreactors (MBRs) (aerobic submerged and external systems), and membrane contactors (liquid-liquid extraction, supported liquid membranes, forward osmosis, and membrane distillation). Filtration processes have been applied for the removal of a large number of the contaminants; however, NF has been the most used one and the results were significant in most of the cases. Performance of MBRs has been also investigated for extensive number of contaminants. These systems have also showed great performance in many of the studies. Nevertheless, there are only a few researches on the removal of these pollutants by membrane contactors; thus, they have the potential for growth. Membrane processes have also been used in combination with other processes.