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Membrane Cleaning Technologies for Water Treatment: A Review
Summary
Membrane filtration is one of the most effective technologies for removing microplastics from drinking water and wastewater, but membranes clog over time and require regular cleaning to maintain performance. This review evaluates the full range of cleaning methods—from simple water backwashing to ultrasonic treatment, advanced oxidation processes, and electrochemical approaches—comparing their effectiveness at removing different types of fouling without damaging the membrane. Understanding optimal cleaning strategies is important for designing cost-effective, long-lasting filtration systems that can reliably remove microplastics at scale.
Membrane fouling persists as a critical bottleneck limiting the sustainability of membrane-based water treatment processes. Consequently, the deployment of robust cleaning strategies is paramount for restoring permeate flux and prolonging membrane longevity. This review critically evaluates the mechanisms and efficacy of established physical and chemical cleaning protocols. A comprehensive synthesis is provided, covering conventional techniques—such as hydraulic backwashing and Chemically Enhanced Backwash (CEB)—alongside emerging innovations including ultrasonic cleaning, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), and hybrid physical-chemical systems (e.g., micro-nano bubble and electrochemically-assisted methods). Comparative analysis reveals that while physical cleaning offers operational simplicity with minimal risk to membrane integrity, its utility is predominantly restricted to reversible fouling mitigation. Conversely, chemical cleaning exhibits superior proficiency in removing irreversible foulants, frequently achieving Flux Recovery Rates (FRR) exceeding 90%, although it introduces concerns regarding membrane degradation. Notably, AOP-based and integrated approaches demonstrate exceptional remediation efficiency, highlighting a promising trajectory for future fouling management strategies.
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