Removal of contaminants of emerging concern by membranes in water and wastewater: An updated review

Abstract

The current review covers removal of contaminants of emerging concern by membranes in water and wastewater since our much cited review in 2018. This review offers a wide-ranging examination of membrane technologies—in particular, forward osmosis, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration—as potent solutions that can be used to target contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water and wastewater treatment. Emphasizing the urgency of preserving water quality amid increasing demand and CEC-related concerns, the current paper underscores the critical need to obtain a more holistic understanding of the impacts of CEC, effective strategies for their removal, and essential regulatory measures. The interplay between membrane properties, operating conditions, and contaminants underscores the importance of tailored membrane designs and optimization in achieving efficient CEC removal. The main purpose of this review was to synthesize the existing knowledge on membrane treatment of CECs and highlight future research directions. This review not only synthesizes the recent advancements that have been achieved but also highlights critical research avenues, including advanced surface modifications, novel materials, optimized operational parameters, and sustainability considerations. Achieving future strides in these areas would likely enhance the efficacy and sustainability of membrane technologies in combatting CECs in water systems.