Investigation on nanofiltration membrane fouling behaviour of cation-induced apam in strontium-bearing mine water

This paper investigates the effect of sodium, calcium and strontium ions interacting with APAM on the fouling behavior of nanofiltration membranes during mine water treatment. The membrane fouling behavior was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by processing experimental data, characterization of fouled membranes and analysis of interfacial thermodynamic energy changes. The results show that the membrane fouling composition is mainly dominated by SrSO4, and the LW and EL interfacial interaction energies between APAM and cations during fouling formation are characterized by attractive forces, while the AB interaction energies are of the opposite nature, and it is mainly the AB interaction energy that affects the total interaction of the fouling surface thermodynamics. When Sr2+ is present, the AB interaction energy decreases significantly and the composite foulant adheres to the fouling membrane more easily. The addition of Ca2+ increases the repulsive forces and energy barriers, alleviating the degree of membrane fouling.

Automated summary

The study found that strontium ions are the main component of membrane fouling during mine water treatment, impacting the interfacial thermodynamic interactions. The addition of calcium ions increases repulsive forces and energy barriers, helping to alleviate the degree of membrane fouling.