Reverse osmosis is one of the major water purification membrane technologies. In this research work, water contaminated with solvent Nikutex®, which is used in automotive industry, was filtered on a reverse osmosis pilot plant. For discharging this type of wastewater to a municipal plant, certain required parameters should be met. Two different polyamide thin film composite membranes were used for filtration tests. Differences between the used membranes and measured parameters, which indicate water pollution were discussed. Values of chemical oxygen demand was found to significantly decrease after filtration, with membrane DOW FILMTECTM BW60-1812-78 from 33535 mg/l to 11013 mg/l and with membrane SUEZ AG-1812-HR to 5722 mg/l, whereas a decrease in permeate flux, permeability and fluid conductivity was also observed during operation. We discuss performance of the filtration, membrane fouling and the possibilities for further treatment of the contaminated water.
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