Pressure-driven membrane processes (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration) used in water technology differ in the principles of separation. Therefore, each of them separates a unique size fraction of organic compounds. One of the smallest fractions is known as the micropollutants. They comprise pesticides, pharmaceutical, and personal care product, their metabolites, and many others. Pesticides and their metabolites limits in potable water have already been added to the legal framework in Czechia. Regarding that, water treatment plants are being equipped with a special separation level for micropollutants removal with nanofiltration being one of the best-performing choices. Its high micropollutants elimination efficiency is accompanied by undesirable bivalent ions removal. The separation efficiency is mostly affected by the nanofiltration membrane type. A similar membrane-type effect on the separation efficiency is observed during ultrafiltration which separates macromolecular organic compounds according to their nature. By collecting detailed knowledge of the organic compounds in the treated water, it would be easier to choose the correct membrane type and therefore design the ideal technology.
I will utilize both my academic and operational knowledge of pressure-driven membrane processes used in water technology, primarily focusing on nanofiltration and ultrafiltration. The aim of this thesis is to study these processes based on both operation data and my own laboratory work focused on the fractionation of organic compounds in treated water. As a result, I will present a comprehensive evaluation of these processes from economical and operational points of view. I will also work on the qualitative analysis of organic compounds methodology which could be useful for the new technology applications design. As a part of this methodology, I will study the micropollutants and bivalent ions removal from treated water by selected processes.
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