Mini-Review Article

Application of Membrane Processes for Nitrate (NO₃-) Removal

Author(s):

Cesur Mehenktaş and Özgür Arar*   Pages 42 - 56 ( 15 )

Abstract:

Background: The primary sources of nitrate contamination in groundwater resources are excessive fertilizer use and unregulated land discharges of treated wastewater. Due to its harmful nature to human health and its contribution to eutrophication, the removal of nitrate from water has been of great interest in the last decades. Various techniques, such as adsorption, ion exchange, catalytic and biological denitrification, and membrane processes, have been applied for NO₃ - removal.

Objective: In this review study, the removal of NO₃ - by membrane processes, including electrodialysis (ED), electrodeionization (EDI), reverse osmosis (RO), and ultrafiltration, has been reviewed.

Methods: The pressure-driven membrane and electro-membrane processes applications to NO₃ - removal have been reviewed.

Results: The effects of process parameters, interferences, and limitations of membrane processes have been summarized.

Conclusion: Membrane processes could be a promising alternative for NO₃ - removal. After suitable membrane preparation/modification, the nitrate removal rate could reach >99%.

Keywords:

Composite membranes, electro-membrane process, ion-exchange membranes, pressure-driven membrane processes, nitrate removal, water treatment.

Affiliation:

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