We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of co-existence of organic matter and microplastics on the rejection of PFCs by forward osmosis membrane
Summary
This study examined how the presence of both organic matter and microplastics affects the removal of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) through forward osmosis membranes used in water treatment. The results showed complex interactions between these contaminants that reduced treatment effectiveness, highlighting challenges in removing multiple co-occurring pollutants from water.
Perfluorinated chemical (PFC)-based materials have been widely applied in industry. In this study, the influence of PFCs on the physicochemical properties of membranes and that of the co-existence of organic matter and microplastics on the removal rate in the process of forward osmosis (FO) was examined. The water flux, reverse salt flux, and rejection of PFCs were evaluated under w and w/o contaminants. The lowest rejection rates of PFCs in FO membranes were observed to be 92.2% and 90.4% for FO-TFC and PA-Aqua FO membranes, respectively. The main rejection mechanism of the FO membrane is the sieving effect (p-value: PA-TFC-0.015, PA-Aqua-0.002) based on molecular volume, which is more dominant than the electrostatic repulsive force and hydrophobic interaction, the major rejection mechanisms of existing trace contaminants. In addition, we observed that the effects of co-existing pollutants in raw water have an insignificant effect on the rejection of PFCs because of the physical and chemical stability of PFCs. According to the results of this study, using the FO membrane, PFCs can effectively control not only their self-existence but also when contaminants co-exist with them in water bodies.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Synergistic effects of microplastics and organic foulants on the performance of forward osmosis membranes
Researchers found that microplastics and humic acid together cause greater fouling of forward osmosis membranes than either contaminant alone, with combined exposure producing a higher flux decline — a key consideration for designing wastewater treatment systems that use membrane filtration.
Environmental Co-existence of Microplastics and Perfluorochemicals: A Review of Their Interactions
This review examines how microplastics and perfluorochemicals, two widespread pollutant classes, interact when they coexist in the environment. Researchers found that microplastics can adsorb perfluorochemicals onto their surfaces, potentially altering how both pollutants move through ecosystems and affect organisms. The study highlights that the combined presence of these contaminants may pose greater environmental risks than either one alone.
Interactions between MPs and PFASs in aquatic environments: A dual-character situation
This review examines the interactions between microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water environments, finding that the two pollutants have a complex relationship. Microplastics can absorb PFAS chemicals onto their surfaces, potentially transporting them through aquatic systems and altering their environmental behavior. The study highlights the need to consider these combined effects when assessing pollution risks in waterways.
Removal of a mixture of organic pollutants by combining adsorption on microplastics with reverse osmosis
Researchers evaluated the efficiency of combining microplastic adsorption with reverse osmosis membrane filtration to remove mixtures of organic pollutants from wastewater, using low-energy XLE membranes and microplastics generated from common plastic packaging. Results demonstrated that the combined process improved overall removal efficiency compared to either method alone.
Recent advances on micro/nanoplastic pollution and membrane fouling during water treatment: A review
Researchers reviewed recent advances in understanding how micro- and nanoplastics contribute to membrane fouling during water treatment processes. The study found that while membrane separation effectively removes microplastics from wastewater effluent, fouling caused by plastic particles along with dissolved organics and extracellular polymers remains a key obstacle, and understanding the fouling mechanisms is critical for improving treatment efficiency.