Effect of magnesium/calcium ratios in solutions treated by electrodialysis: morphological characterization and identification of anion-exchange membrane fouling

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2008 Jun 1;322(1):215-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2008.02.068. Epub 2008 Mar 13.

Abstract

The present study aimed the characterization of the fouling formed on anion-exchange membrane during electrodialysis treatment of model salt solutions at different Mg/Ca ratio (0, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5 and 2/5). The membrane fouling was characterized by membrane parameters (membrane thickness and electrical conductivity) and identified by membrane surface analysis (elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction). The mineral deposit was identified as Ca(OH)2 when no magnesium was present in the model salt. As soon as magnesium was present in the model salt solution for neutral pH((concentrate)) conditions a mix between CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2 was formed. This study is the first one to report the influence of magnesium in solution on the formation of CaCO3 fouling at the interface of anion-exchange membrane during electrodialysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anions / chemistry
  • Calcium / chemistry*
  • Calcium / pharmacology
  • Dialysis
  • Electrochemistry
  • Equipment Failure
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Magnesium / chemistry*
  • Magnesium / pharmacology
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Pharmaceutical Solutions / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Anions
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Pharmaceutical Solutions
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium