Forward Osmosis

Sponsored by the Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Engineering Committee of the Environmental Council of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute of ASCE.

Forward Osmosis: Fundamentals and Applications presents the principles and implementation challenges of low-energy desalination technology for producing potable and nonpotable water. In forward osmosis (FO), a saline feed solution passes through a semipermeable membrane toward a draw solution; water then may be separated from the draw solution. Although FO technology has advanced in recent years, much work remains to be done to develop suitable membranes and draw solutions that can easily and efficiently produce drinking water.

Written by leading experts from around the world, this book describes the basic concepts of FO technology and discusses modeling and element design. Several different types of draw solution are explored, and recently developed FO membranes are assessed. The physical, chemical, and biological aspects of membrane fouling are examined. A variety of FO applications are explored, including desalination, water reclamation, membrane bioreactors, mining wastewater, fertigation, and landfill leachate. The removal of pollutants, such as emerging contaminants, boron, and heavy metals, is also addressed. Contributors also critically assess the limitations of specific FO technologies and suggest ways of overcoming these limitations.

This book on the use of forward osmosis for clean water will be an essential reference for water and environmental engineering practitioners, as well as environmental managers, government officials, and students.