Reverse osmosis (RO)-based wastewater reclamation is an important strategy for potable reuse. However, brine disposal is a big challenge due to its high cost and negative environmental impact. This research developed an electrochemically enhanced reverse osmosis system to achieve low cost and minimal liquid discharge for brine disposal. In this system, the brine was first pretreated by fluidized bed crystallization, ion exchange, and FeCl<sub>3</sub> coagulation/flocculation to remove 96%–99% of hardness ions and dissolved silica, as well as 30% of total organic carbon. Then, the pretreated brine underwent RO to obtain extra water production, with minor or minimal fouling over a prolonged period of operation. The RO concentrate from this system was used with an electrochemical cell to produce acid, base, and FeCl<sub>3</sub> needed in this system. We anticipate that these processes will maximize potable water production and minimize brine volume during water reclamation at a low cost.

Electrochemically enhanced reverse osmosis to achieve minimal liquid discharge in water reclamation

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.