Research Trends Features

Research Trends Features Archive

Forward osmosis desalination of brackish groundwater: integrating nanofiltration to meet fertigation water quality Forward osmosis desalination of brackish groundwater: integrating nanofiltration to meet fertigation water quality

Nanofiltration is assessed as an integrated process to fertiliser drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) desalination, to reduce the nutrient concentrations in the final product water. This would allow direct use of the product water for fertigation – the application of fertilisers via irrigation – without further dilution.

Microbiology-based approach to assess biological stability in drinking water distribution networks Microbiology-based approach to assess biological stability in drinking water distribution networks

A multi-parametric approach is used to monitor biological stability in drinking water from a non-chlorinated distribution system in Switzerland. The method covers different aspects of microbial water quality, including microbial growth potential, abundance, and community composition.

Desalination of industrial saline water with conventional and bipolar membrane electrodialysis

Electrodialysis-based technologies were used to treat an industrial saline water, with both electrodialysis (ED) and bipolar membrane electrodialysis (EDBM) shown to be technologically feasible to desalinate the saline water at the lab scale. The ED pilot plant was operated in a stable way during a long-term feed-and-bleed experiment.

Toxicity of ionic liquid cations and anions towards activated sewage sludge organisms

The influence of ionic liquids on activated sewage sludge communities has been systematically investigated. Ionic liquids substituted with short alkyl chains and polar anions showed a low inhibitory potential, but this was greater for highly hydrophobic ionic cations and anions. Even so, the results suggest that ionic liquids are unlikely to reduce the performance of domestic wastewater treatment plants.