BEIJING: A team of researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has unveiled an innovative nanofiltration membrane designed to address the challenges of treating high-salinity wastewater.

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Published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the study highlights a mixed-charge nanofiltration membrane featuring a horizontal charge distribution. This unique structure creates a high charge density and a nearly electroneutral surface, enabling efficient permeation of divalent salts, critical for handling complex wastewater.

The membrane demonstrates outstanding performance in salt permeation, organic matter retention, and resistance to fouling. Researchers reported that the membrane achieves 58.6% salt permeation and 68.7% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) rejection when processing high-salinity organic wastewater. These results are among the best ever documented for nanofiltration membranes, underscoring its potential for large-scale applications.

Luo Jianquan, the study’s corresponding author, stated, “Our membrane combines high salt permeation with excellent organic matter retention, making it ideal for high-salinity organic wastewater treatment. This innovation opens doors to more efficient resource recovery and sustainable wastewater management.”

The breakthrough comes at a time when industries and governments worldwide face increasing pressure to develop sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment. High-salinity wastewater, often a byproduct of industrial processes, poses significant environmental challenges due to its complexity and resource-intensive treatment requirements.

This new membrane technology could significantly reduce treatment costs while improving efficiency. Its antifouling properties further enhance its durability, making it a promising solution for industries dealing with saline effluents.

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The development reflects China’s growing commitment to environmental innovation and resource sustainability, positioning this membrane as a potential game-changer in global wastewater treatment practices.