ABSTRACT
Trace organic contaminants (TrOCs), such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, are increasingly discharged into aquatic environments. One of the primary sources of contamination is wastewater since many TrOCs are not efficiently removed in conventional biological treatment. Some TrOCs are classified as Emerging Organic Contaminants. They attract special attention since they were (i) newly developed, (ii) recently found in the environment, or (iii) recently classified as contaminants. Despite low concentrations in the environment, typically in the order of μg/L or ng/L, TrOCs can cause several adverse effects on living beings, and impacts may include human health. Nanofiltration (NF) is a promising alternative to remove these contaminants, enabling nobler reuses or even safe discharge. In this chapter, mechanisms of TrOCs removal by NF (as an individual or integrated process) will be discussed in depth. NF operational advantages, applications (pilot and full scale), economic aspects, and challenges will also be addressed.
