Novel membrane processes for water treatment : From wastewater treatment to desalination and stormwater harvesting

Global water scarcity requires innovative treatment solutions. This presentation explores three membrane-based concepts advancing from idea to pilot scale: stormwater harvesting with micro-/ultrafiltration (MF/UF), direct membrane filtration (DMF) for wastewater treatment, and a hybrid forward osmosis (FO), membrane distillation (MD), and nanofiltration (NF) system for seawater desalination.The EU-Horizon 2020 project REWAISE aims to reduce drinking water consumption by 30%, focusing on non-potable applications such as toilet flushing and laundry. In Lund, Sweden, initial trials with submerged ceramic membranes (0.2 µm, 400 kDa MWCO) effectively removed micropollutants and microplastics from stormwater. A full-scale installation at Röda Oasen in Malmö now treats 1,300 liters daily, reducing drinking water use by 40%. Additionally, a new stormwater harvesting pilot at Lund University’s Division of Chemical Engineering tests hydrostatically driven filtration.DMF integrates coagulation, flocculation, and microsieving with microfiltration to enhance carbon rejection and biogas production. Pilot tests in Lund used 0.2 µm PVDF membranes, leading to a full-scale installation in Fredrikstad, Norway, treating over 90 m³/day. The process achieves high COD, SS, and phosphorus removal, offering a potential energy-positive alternative to conventional treatment.The EU-Horizon 2020 DESOLINATION project integrates concentrated solar power (CSP) with membrane desalination. Using a thermo-responsive polymer as an FO draw solution, coupled with nanofiltration, membrane distillation, and a coalescer, the system optimizes energy efficiency. Initial trials at Lund University will inform a large-scale pilot at King Saud University in Riyadh.These initiatives demonstrate the potential of membrane technology to address water scarcity by advancing from pilot studies to full-scale implementation, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient water management solutions.