![Sample our Environment & Sustainability journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5935/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Sustainability.jpg"})
Abstract
Currently, membrane technologies are restricted in most communities because of water recovery and concentrate disposal limitations. Lower water recoveries mean inefficient use of scarce resources, and concentrate disposal generally requires some form of treatment to meet safe discharge regulations. Injection wells for concentrate disposal are not available in many locations. Sanitary sewer discharge for large volumes of concentrate (> 2 – 10 mgd) often is not feasible because of impacts on the receiving wastewater treatment facility. Concentrate is chemically imbalanced, leading to toxicity to aquatic species. But there may be other options available. Concentrating the concentrate may increase the potential for disposal at municipal wastewater treatment plants and help recapture water. The feasibility of concentrating concentrate depends on risk of failure from fouling, premature membrane replacement, and associated costs. However, such costs should be weighed against the cost for new water supplies.