Comparative studies on the separation of endocrine disrupting compounds from aquatic environment by emulsion liquid membrane and hollow fiber supported liquid membrane

Abstract

Abstract Endocrine disrupting compounds have been found to limit the natural working of the endocrine system like synthesis, secretion, transference and binding. Endocrine disrupting compounds are released from humans, animals and from production industries to soil, surface water and sediments mostly through the sewage treatment system. Studies have revealed the impact of these compounds on the nervous system, lungs, liver, thyroid, prostate, metabolism, obesity and reproductive system. So removal of these compounds from sewage water/wastewater by appropriate processes is essential. Conventional techniques like coagulation, precipitation, flocculation, microfiltration and ultrafiltration are effective for the removal of these compounds but limitations like low molecular weight of these compounds and pore size of membrane restricts the complete removal. Liquid membrane is a promising technology which combines the steps like extraction and stripping in a single step thereby providing the instantaneous removal and recovery of solutes and also results in high selectivity and savings of chemicals. This paper mainly focuses on the use of liquid membrane techniques like emulsion liquid membrane and hollow fiber supported liquid membrane which are the promising techniques for the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds from aqueous streams. The working principle, mechanism and implementation of these two techniques in the removal of several endocrine disrupting compounds from aquatic streams are also discussed.