Hybrid membrane processes in advanced wastewater treatment

The increase of global industrial and economic development causes the emission of large amounts of pollutants from various processes into the water environment, resulting in great shortage of clean water. In this context, the enhancing of sustainable water management, without compromising the socioeconomic development all around the world, is an urgent need. Indeed, reclaimed wastewater has been recognized as a sustainable water management strategy since it represents an alternative water resource for nonpotable or (indirect) potable use. To remove numerous emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals, dyes, metal ions, nanoplastic, etc.), the use of conventional wastewater remediation approaches are unable to remove/destroy them completely. Hybrid membrane processes (HMPs) are a powerful solution for removing emerging pollutants from wastewater. In this context, the present chapter focuses on HMPs achieved by the synergic coupling of biological- and/or chemical reaction-driven processes with membrane processes, giving a critical overview and particular emphasis on some case studies reported in the pertinent literature. A good quality of treated water can be obtained by using these processes allowing its sustainable reuse in the hydrologic cycle while minimizing environmental and economic impact.