PhD defence

Nanofiltration for micropollutant removal - integrating mechanistic understanding with theory development

PhD candidate S (Sebastian) Castaño Osorio MSc
External promotor Bert van der Wal, Evan Spruijt
Co-promotor dr.ir. JE (Jouke) Dykstra
External copromotor Maarten Biesheuvel
Organisation Wageningen University & Research, Environmental Technology
Date

Fri 23 May 2025 10:30 to 12:00

Venue Omnia, building number 105
Hoge Steeg 2
105
6708 PH Wageningen
+31 (0) 317 - 484500
Room Auditorium

Summary

Micropollutants (MPs) are harmful substances, like pharmaceuticals and pesticides, found in water at low concentrations, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. The study investigates the factors that affect how well NF membranes reject these pollutants, including the properties of the membranes, the characteristics of MPs, and the chemistry of the solution. Through various experiments and models, the research explores how factors like salt concentration, membrane charge, and interactions with specific pollutants influence rejection rates. The findings help improve the design of NF systems and offer insights into optimizing membrane performance for better water treatment, especially in the context of stricter regulations on water quality. This work contributes to advancing NF technology and its application in removing contaminants from drinking water.