Management of concentrate and waste streams for membrane-based algal separation in water treatment: A review

Xiangtong Kong; Jinxing Ma; Pierre Le-Clech; Zhiwei Wang; Chuyang Y Tang; T David Waite

doi:10.1016/j.watres.2020.115969

Management of concentrate and waste streams for membrane-based algal separation in water treatment: A review

Water Res. 2020 Sep 15:183:115969. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115969. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Authors

Xiangtong Kong¹, Jinxing Ma², Pierre Le-Clech³, Zhiwei Wang⁴, Chuyang Y Tang⁵, T David Waite⁶

Affiliations

¹ UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. Electronic address: xiangtong.kong@unsw.edu.au.
² UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. Electronic address: jinxing.ma@unsw.edu.au.
³ UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. Electronic address: p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au.
⁴ State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China. Electronic address: zwwang@tongji.edu.cn.
⁵ Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: tangc@hku.hk.
⁶ UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China. Electronic address: d.waite@unsw.edu.au.

PMID: 32721703
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115969

Abstract

Frequent occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and red tides in freshwater and seawater poses serious threats to water treatment and drives the application of membrane-based technologies in algal separation. Despite the high removal efficiency of algal cells and their metabolites (e.g. organic matter and toxins) by membranes, the generation of concentrate and waste streams presents a major challenge. In this paper, we review the scenarios under which membrane-based processes are integrated with algal separation, with particular attention given to (i) drinking water production and desalination at low algal concentrations and (ii) cyanobacteria-laden water treatment/desalination. The concentrate and waste streams from backwashing and membrane cleaning in each scenario are characterised with this information facilitating a better understanding of the transport of algal cells and metabolites in membrane processes. Current strategies and gaps in managing concentrate and waste streams are identified with guidance and perspectives for future studies discussed in an Eisenhower framework.

Keywords: Algae; Backwashing; Chemical cleaning; Concentrate; Drinking water production; Membrane.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Fresh Water
Harmful Algal Bloom
Seawater
Wastewater
Water Purification*
Water*

Substances

Waste Water
Water