Techno-economic analysis of arsenic (III) removal using spiral wound polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane at pilot scale

Abstract

In this work, the influence of initial solution pH on membrane performance was carried out for arsenic (III) removal using spiral wound polyethersulfone (HFN300) Nanofiltration membrane at pilot scale. The rejection percentage was found to increase from 49 % to 96 % while increasing initial solution pH from 4 to 10. Speciation of arsenic, solute-membrane affinity, electric-migration effect along with convection and diffusion were found to be dominant mechanisms for arsenic removal. Donnan Steric Pore Model was selected to estimate the membrane parameters including pore radius (0.313 nm), membrane thickness (2.17 μm), and membrane charge density (−3.56 mol/m3).Excellent agreements were found between the experimental and simulated values for all the studied pH range. Selected model works satisfactorily within 10 % of error for both rejection percentage and permeate flow. Economic feasibility study was carried out for the rural population (India) and total annualized cost was found to be USD 0.90/m³ that seems both reasonable and affordable for arsenic free drinking water. It can be concluded that annualized production cost was dependent on membrane lifespan, electricity tariff, per capita, population size, arsenic feed concentration, etc. The result obtained in the study suggests the feasibility of using the NF process in removing arsenic from contaminated water. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms governing arsenic (III) removal through nanofiltration process using spiral wound polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane at pilot scale, demonstrating the effectiveness of pH optimization and membrane modelling in improving removal efficiency, which can contribute to the development of cost-effective solutions for safe drinking water in arsenic-affected rural areas.