Fouling of ion exchange membranes used in the electrodialysis reversal advanced water treatment: A review

M A C K Hansima; Madhubhashini Makehelwala; K B S N Jinadasa; Yuansong Wei; K G N Nanayakkara; Ajith C Herath; Rohan Weerasooriya

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127951

Fouling of ion exchange membranes used in the electrodialysis reversal advanced water treatment: A review

Chemosphere. 2021 Jan:263:127951. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127951. Epub 2020 Aug 23.

Authors

M A C K Hansima¹, Madhubhashini Makehelwala², K B S N Jinadasa³, Yuansong Wei⁴, K G N Nanayakkara³, Ajith C Herath⁵, Rohan Weerasooriya⁶

Affiliations

¹ Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.
² NSF Project, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka; China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology, Ministry of Water Supply, Sri Lanka. Electronic address: madhubhashinim@pdn.ac.lk.
³ Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.
⁴ Department of Water Pollution Control Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; National Centre for Water Quality Research, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, 20000, Sri Lanka.
⁵ Department of Chemical Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale, 50300, Sri Lanka.
⁶ National Centre for Water Quality Research, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, 20000, Sri Lanka.

PMID: 33297020
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127951

Abstract

Electrodialysis self-reversal (EDR) technology has attracted in the treatment of water for domestic and industrial uses. The self-reversal consists of a frequent reversal of the direction of current between the EDR-cell electrodes to combat fouling of ion exchange membranes (IEMs). Irrespective of the EDR self-cleaning processes, the role of natural organic matter and their complexing ability with metal ions on IEMs fouling is partially understood. The objective of this review is to identify the research gaps present in the elucidation of IEM fouling routes. The common IEMs' foulants are identified, and several fouling mechanisms are briefly discussed. The effectiveness of self-cleaning mechanisms to reduce IEMs fouling is also be discussed. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) possesses high chelation which forms metal complexes with di and trivalent cations found in water. The role of ternary complexes, e.g. M^2+/3+-DOC and membrane surface, on membrane fouling via surface bridging, are also addressed. Finally, mitigation methods of IEMs membrane fouling are also discussed.

Keywords: Calcium ion; DOC; EDR; Ion exchange membrane; Membrane fouling; Ternary complexes.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ion Exchange
Membranes, Artificial
Water Purification*
Water*

Substances

Membranes, Artificial
Water