Membrane Technology: Applications to Industrial Wastewater Treatment

This text presents the lectures which were given during the Comett II Course on Advanced Separation Technology for Industrial Waste Minimization: Environmental and Analytical Aspects. Due to the interest in new environmental solutions, the European Community organises educational and training activities of which the Comett Course is an example. The development of efficient membrane separation techniques has enlarged their field of application in all sectors of industry. Today these membrane technologies are the most advanced and innovative molecular separation units able to contribute to the rationalization of industrial production, minimizing environmental impacts by realizing pollution controlled cycles. Throughout the book, emphasis is given to the potentiality of membrane operations in wastewater management. Real case studies are described as well as practical solutions. The following topics are covered: existing membrane processes and new perspectives; industrial development of membrane modules; applications to the pulp and paper industry, textile industry, metal-finishing, tanneries, agro-food and food industries; biotechnological applications; purification of landfill leachates; and advances in analytical techniques. The book is for engineers, researchers, technical managers and graduate students.