Removal of metal ions from an acidic leachate solution by nanofiltration membranes

This paper presents the feasibility of the application of two commercial nanofiltration (NF) membranes (Desal5 DK and NF-270) in the removal of metal ions from an acidic leachate solution generated from a contaminated soil using H2SO4 as a soil washing agent. The experimental results of soil washing indicated that H2SO4 is highly effective in removing metal ions from contaminated soil. Following this process, the treatment of this acidic solution by nanofiltration membranes showed good metal ion rejection (between 62% to 100%) where divalent ions were better rejected than monovalent ions. For characterization purposes, the membrane experiments were conducted using K2SO4 solutions at different pHs. Membrane performance criteria were evaluated according to membrane permeability and ionic retention in the tank and permeate, taking into account different operating conditions such as pressures, flow rate and pH. These results demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of the application of nanofiltration treatments in the cleaning-up of contaminated water residues generated during soil washing processes.