A review of advances in EDCs and PhACs removal by nanofiltration: Mechanisms, impact factors and the influence of organic matter

Nanofiltration (NF) has been increasingly applied in municipal water treatment plants because it has a high removal rate of organic pollutants while simultaneously reserving certain amounts of minerals that are beneficial for drinking water. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals (PhACs) are two groups of the most detrimental and ubiquitous emerging organic compounds present in natural waters and are not effectively removed by conventional treatments. NF has proven to be a promising technology in removing EDCs and PhACs membrane materials and operational conditions are appropriately applied. This paper outlines the removal efficiencies and mechanisms of EDCs and PhACs by NF based on the analysis of properties of the compounds and membranes as well as some important impact factors. The factors (pH, ionic strength and divalent cations) with a significant impact on the configuration of organic pollutants and membranes are summarized. In particular, the influences of natural organic matter (NOM), which play a vital role in NF applications, on the removal of pollutants and membrane fouling are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the models, including extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwery-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory, applied in the prediction of membrane fouling are introduced as well. Finally, the typical cases of NF treatment plants as well as the corresponding details are summarized. The main drawbacks and expectations in membrane applications are also investigated.

Automated summary

This paper outlines the removal efficiencies and mechanisms of EDCs and PhACs by NF based on the analysis of properties of the compounds and membranes as well as some important impact factors. The factors with a significant impact on the configuration of organic pollutants and membranes are summarized. In particular, the influences of natural organic matter (NOM) on the removal of pollutants and membrane fouling are discussed in detail.