Development of Membrane Module for Heavy Metals Removal

Heavy metals constitute a major portion of the contaminants in chemical effluents and they cannot be degraded or destroyed. Due to their hazard to human health, heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury are targeted by international legislation. Recently, membrane technology has emerged as an attractive new approach for the treatment of heavy metals in wastewater. This review surveys existing applications of membrane separation and discusses the expected growth of these methods alongside potential new applications. It highlights the necessary improvements in membrane module design to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption in large-scale operations. Moreover, the review addresses the drawbacks of conventional wastewater treatment technologies, such as high capital costs and incomplete removal of heavy metals, emphasizing the need for further research in membrane technology to resolve these challenges effectively.