Membrane applications for valorization routes of industrial brines and mining waters: examples of resource recovery schemes

Abstract

The continuous increase in the pollution load, both dissolved and suspended chemicals, and salinity is creating more challenges for the development of water reuse schemes. To reduce salinity from brines, the most preferred option has been reverse osmosis (RO). Moreover, the imposition of stringent environmental regulations in terms of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) has assisted in the development of technologies for the recovery of water and useful salts. In this case, the integration of electrically driven membrane processes could promote water splitting reactions, and then transform such salinity into acidic and basic streams to be re-used on-site to promote industrial symbiosis. On the other hand, acidic metal influenced mine waters (AMIMW) are a global environmental issue for the mining industry. Under the new scenarios of sustainability and circularity, the need for sustainable AMIMW treatment approaches has led to efforts centred on resource recovery, water reuse, and reduction of sludge generation and disposal. Although any solution will include the integration of physico-chemical and biological technologies, the role of membrane processes will be the main treatment unit. Overall, this chapter provides insights into the establishment of industrial process water reuse, resource recovery, and circularity as the holistic approach towards sustainable process industries.

Postprint (published version)