An overview of arsenic removal by pressure-driven membrane processes

Management of hazardous wastes, such as arsenic, is one of major public concern. Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid, which is widely distributed in nature. Recently, arsenic in drinking water attracted attention because some of the drinking water resources contain considerable concentrations of arsenic which cause acute and chronic symptoms in many countries, especially in Bangladesh, China, Mongolia, and Taiwan. In 2001, the USEPA promulgated a rule lowering the arsenic MCL from 5 mugL(-1) to 10 mugL(-1). This paper offers an overview of geochemistry, distribution, sources, regulations, acute and chronic symptoms, and applications of membrane technologies in the water treatment research that have already been realized or that are suggested on the basis of bench or lab scale research. These membrane technologies include RO, NF, UF, and MF. Most of theses applications have proven to be reliable in removing arsenic from water. The possible influence of some source water parameters, membrane material, membrane types, membrane processes on arsenic removal efficiency by membrane technologies are also explored. This review paper also offers data relating to regulations of arsenic standard, acute and chronic symptoms that are caused by the exposure of arsenic to explain why water treatments need to use the membrane technology to meet the MCL standard.