Effectiveness of ultra-, nanofiltration and selected photolytic processes in removing of selected priority substances from water

This paper presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane processes and selected photolytic processes in the context of reducing the concentration of organic micropollutants. Studies on the removal of organic matter (dissolved organic carbon) were carried out on a laboratory scale in order to select optimal parameters for the processes. Analysis of micropollutant reduction was carried out on a semi-technical scale. The micropollutants analyzed were: 4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, anthracene, alachlor, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. In the initial phase of the study, the most effective ultra-and nanofiltration membranes in terms of natural organic matter removal were selected. Among the tested advanced oxidation processes viz: UV, UV/O₃, UV/TiO₂ and UV/H₂O₂, the process using simultaneous UV and ozone was selected as the most effective. In semi-technical scale tests, the following values of micropollutant removal were achieved: UF 63%–100%, NF 100%, UV/O₃ 32%–100%.