Membrane-based hybrid processes in industrial waste effluent treatment

Water pollution by various industries is increasing globally and needs to be resolved as this will lead to water scarcity and other water related problems. Different techniques have been used to treat industrial wastewaters and reclamation of water for domestic and agriculture purposes. Conventional membrane processes used either in wastewater treatment and water reclamation purposes, have encountered several obstacles that have severely affected their performances and efficiencies. Membrane science is a relatively a new and emerging strategic technology in various industrial applications and public health significance. Membrane fouling is the main obstacle in membrane systems. Membrane-based hybrid/integrated technology are an alternative and effective method to treat industry wastewaters and to minimize the fouling problem up to a significant level over the last few decades. The literature shows that many benefits and marked improvements could be achieved with integrated/hybrid-membrane processes, such as reduce harmful environmental pollutants, decreasing groundwater consumption and enhanced quality of water produced, energy savings, environmental friendliness, and reductions in the capital and operating costs of the plants. The combination of reactors and membranes with biologic treatment, that is, hybrid-membrane bioreactors, are also considered as one of the most successful hybrid-membrane systems for wastes and wastewater treatment. This chapter provides a brief overview of membrane-based hybrid processes for industrial wastewater treatment and also reviews their properties, advantages, limitations and promising solutions for clean and eco-green environment.