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SOC REJECTION BY NANOFILTRATION
Citation:
Taylor, J., S. Duranceau, L. Mulford, D. Smith, AND W. Barrett. SOC REJECTION BY NANOFILTRATION. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-89/023.
Description:
A study was conducted to evaluate the rejection of six synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) from a potable water source by a nanofiltration membrane process. The S0Cs were ethylene dibromide (EDB), dibromochloropropane (DBCP), chlordane, heptachlor, methoxychlor and alachlor. To investigate SOC rejection, a membrane pilot plant was constructed that utilized a single, 4- by 40-inch FilmTec N 70 spiral wound, thin film composite membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 300. The effects of different operating pressures and membrane feed stream velocities on membrane rejection of S0Cs are reported. Trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) and total organic halide formation potential (T0XFP) and general water quality in and out of the membrane are also reported. Accurate organic and inorganic mass balances were conducted in solutes. The percent rejection of the S0Cs varied from 0 percent for EDB to 100 percent for chlordane, methoxychlor, heptachlor and alachlor. DBCP was the only partially rejected S0C in the group. Mass balances conducted during each SOC test indicated that adsorption could have occurred within the membrane system for the three highest molecular weight SOCs tested; methoxychlor, heptachlor and chlordane. Although breakthrough of adsorbed SOCs did not occur during these short-term tests, it could occur if the adsorption capacity of the membrane is reached.