Investigation on nanofiltration membrane fouling behaviour of cation-induced apam in strontium-bearing mine water

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2023-10, Vol.11 (5), p.110940, Article 110940
• Main Authors: Zhao, Siao, Chen, Yunhuan, Wu, Guanxiao, Li, Jiapeng, Ren, Yongsheng, Duan, Xiaoxiao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: APAM; Membrane fouling; Nanofiltration; Strontium; XDLVO theory
• ISSN: 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.110940

This paper investigates the effect of sodium, calcium and strontium ions interacting with APAM on the fouling behavior of nanofiltration membranes during mine water treatment. The membrane fouling behavior was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by processing experimental data, characterization of fouled membranes and analysis of interfacial thermodynamic energy changes. The results show that the membrane fouling composition is mainly dominated by SrSO4, and the LW and EL interfacial interaction energies between APAM and cations during fouling formation are characterized by attractive forces, while the AB interaction energies are of the opposite nature, and it is mainly the AB interaction energy that affects the total interaction of the fouling surface thermodynamics. When Sr2+ is present, the AB interaction energy decreases significantly and the composite foulant adheres to the fouling membrane more easily. The addition of Ca2+ increases the repulsive forces and energy barriers, alleviating the degree of membrane fouling. [Display omitted] •Effect of Na+/Sr2+/Ca2+ salt system and APAM interaction on NF membrane fouling.•XDLVO to analyze interaction impact between salts & APAM on fouling process.•Repulsive force caused by AB interface interaction dominates fouling formation.