Influence of membrane, pH and water matrix properties on the retention of emerging contaminants by ultrafiltration and nanofiltration

The removal of five emerging contaminants (ECs) (1-H-benzotriazole, DEET, chlorophene, 3-methylindole and nortriptyline) dissolved in several water matrices by ultrafiltration and nanofiltration (NF) membranes has been investigated. Pore blocking and cake layer formation probably dominated at the beginning of filtration, whereas cake layer formation was likely the dominant fouling mechanism at later stages. The NF HL membrane was the most appropriate for the removal of the selected ECs, except for benzotriazole, which presented low retention. Therefore, the NF HL membrane is a feasible option for drinking water production and for the purification of not very contaminated secondary effluents for reuse.