Characterization of Two Nanofiltration Membranes for the Separation of Ions from Acid Mine Water

This study evaluates the performance of two nanofiltration membranes in the separation of ions from acid mine water, with a focus on optimizing treatment processes for contaminated water sources. The objective was to identify the most effective membrane technology for removing ions while addressing the challenges posed by particulate matter and organic substances in acid mine drainage (AMD). A systematic methodology was employed, including the characterization of membranes through various experimental setups designed to simulate real-world conditions typically encountered in AMD treatment. The results indicated significant differences in separation efficiency, with specific membranes achieving enhanced removal rates for both monovalent and divalent ions, significantly reflecting their operational effectiveness. These findings underscore the importance of selecting suitable nanofiltration membranes and pre-treatment techniques to improve overall performance and longevity of the filtration process in real-world applications. The study contributes valuable insights into membrane technology applicability for controlling pollution from mining activities, paving the way for more sustainable management practices in water resources.