Performance of a pilot flotation–ultrafiltration–reverse osmosis system for industrial laundry wastewater reuse

Performance of a pilot flotation–ultrafiltration–reverse osmosis system for industrial laundry wastewater reuse

Článek Scopus

This study was designed as a proof-of-concept and evaluates the performance of a pilot semi-operational unit designed for the treatment and reuse of industrial laundry wastewater with a focus on elements removal efficiency. The treatment process consisted of flotation, ultrafiltration (UF), and reverse osmosis (RO), producing high-quality reusable water suitable for laundry operations. Analysis of the reverse osmosis concentrate revealed excessive aluminium (median 1500 ± 900 μ g⋅l 1 ) levels and relatively elevated boron (median 0.3 mg⋅l ) concentrations. The aluminium contamination likely originated from the poly-aluminium chloride (PAC) coagulant used in pretreatment, while the high boron content was attributed to detergent residues in the wastewater. Most monitored elements, with the exception of selenium, were effectively removed during flotation, while the remaining elements contaminants were further separated by reverse osmosis. However, barium was detected in above limit levels (median 600 ± 300 μ g⋅l 1 ), which probably comes from laundry or laundry room itself.

This study was designed as a proof-of-concept and evaluates the performance of a pilot semi-operational unit designed for the treatment and reuse of industrial laundry wastewater with a focus on elements removal efficiency. The treatment process consisted of flotation, ultrafiltration (UF), and reverse osmosis (RO), producing high-quality reusable water suitable for laundry operations. Analysis of the reverse osmosis concentrate revealed excessive aluminium (median 1500 ± 900 μ g⋅l 1 ) levels and relatively elevated boron (median 0.3 mg⋅l ) concentrations. The aluminium contamination likely originated from the poly-aluminium chloride (PAC) coagulant used in pretreatment, while the high boron content was attributed to detergent residues in the wastewater. Most monitored elements, with the exception of selenium, were effectively removed during flotation, while the remaining elements contaminants were further separated by reverse osmosis. However, barium was detected in above limit levels (median 600 ± 300 μ g⋅l 1 ), which probably comes from laundry or laundry room itself.

Pressure membrane processes; Sewage regulations; Hazardous waste; Laundry water; Reuse of water

Pressure membrane processes; Sewage regulations; Hazardous waste; Laundry water; Reuse of water

VESPALEC, J.; REPKOVÁ, M.; BRABENEC, T.; VAŠINOVÁ GALIOVÁ, M.; LEV, J.; KRYSTYNIK, P.

01.01.2026

Journal of Water Process Engineering

81

109214

Nizozemsko

109214

109226

12

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214714425022871