Boron removal by ion exchange membranes

Boron removal from aqueous solution was studied through Neosepta-AHA membrane by Donnan dialysis (DD) method as a function of concentration, pH, conduct time, membrane structure and effect of accompanying ions. The feasibility of the system was examined and the highest boron removal was obtained when the pH of the feed phase was 9.5. On the other hand, it was determined that reverse flow transition was accelerated by counter ions and HCO3− ion was found to be more effective than Cl− and SO4−2 ions. It was determined that obtained results of AHA membrane was compared with Neosepta AFN and AMH membranes and the flow rate of boron through Neosepta AHA, AFN and AMH anion exchange membranes were found to be between 3.10−8−3232.10−8 mmol cm−2 s−1 depending on concentration of feed and receiver phases, pH as well as counter ion properties. The order for recovery of boron for membranes was found to be as AFN>AMH>AHA. It could be concluded that the DD method is an appropriate method for boron removal from aqueous solution when an appropriate counter anion was chosen at suitable pH value.