Optimisation of batch membrane processes for the removal of residual heavy metal contamination in pretreated marine sediment

In this article, an innovative process that uses membranes to purify marine sediments contaminated with heavy metals is presented. The proposed process is composed of a centrifugation step, performed with a hydrocyclone, followed by a batch membrane step. The initial separation of sand from the raw stream appears to be very efficient and is important to avoid plugging the membrane separation step. The remaining stream, called silt, is then processed by a batch membrane separation step, capable of separating organic and inorganic pollutants from the purifiedwater. Pilot tests were carried out to estimate membrane performance, including the maximum recovery value achievable, typical rejection values, the permeate and critical fluxes. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.