Modelling the rejection of N-nitrosamines by a spiral-wound reverse osmosis system: Mathematical model development and validation

Takahiro Fujioka, Stuart J. Khan, James A. McDonald, Annalie Roux, Yvan Poussade, Jörg E. Drewes, Long D. Nghiem

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

A mathematical model was developed based on the irreversible thermodynamic principle and hydrodynamic calculation to predict the rejection of N-nitrosamines by spiral-wound reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems. The developed model is able to accurately describe the rejection of N-nitrosamines under a range of permeate flux and system recovery conditions. The modelled N-nitrosamine rejections were in good agreement with values obtained experimentally using a pilot-scale RO filtration system. Simulation from the model revealed that an increase in permeate flux from 10 to 30L/m2h led to an increase in the rejection of low molecular weight N-nitrosamines such as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (from 31% to 54%), which was validated by experimental results. The modelling results also revealed that an increase in recovery caused a decrease in the rejection of these N-nitrosamines, which is consistent with the experimental results. Further modelling investigations suggested that NDMA rejection by a spiral-wound system can drop from 49% to 35% when the overall recovery increased from 10% to 50%. The model developed from this study can be a useful tool for water utilities and regulators for system design and evaluating the removal of N-nitrosamine by RO membranes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)212-219
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Membrane Science
Volume454
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Mar 2014

Keywords

  • N-nitrosamines
  • NDMA
  • Reverse osmosis (RO)
  • Solute rejection modelling
  • Spiral-wound elements
  • Water reuse

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