Boron removal from water: needs, challenges and perspectives

• Boron interacts with living organisms according to a micronutrient–toxic duality.
• Traditional water treatments do not work for boron rejection.
• Boron bulk removal is operated by membranes while polishing by selective sorption.

Boron is often present in water streams to be treated to match final user specifications or environmental restrictions. It can not be removed by conventional water treatments and its separation still remains an issue. An overview on this topic is provided. Needs are identified considering information regarding boron level effect on environment, human health and activities. Challenges are described envisaging boron main physical–chemical properties and current approaches for its removal. Perspectives are sketched pointing to possible technology improvements.

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