Mathematical model for the removal of trace metal by complexation-ultrafiltration

TLDR: In this paper, the pore-size distribution of the membrane and the molecular weight distribution of a complexing ligand were incorporated into the irreversible thermodynamic model by modifying the coefficients σ and ω to predict the rejection behavior of trace elements.

Abstract: Complexation-ultrafiltration is emerging as the potential method for the removal of dissolved trace contaminant species from water in an energy efficient manner. The study incorporates the pore-size distribution of the membrane and the molecular weight distribution of the complexing ligand into the irreversible thermodynamic model by modifying the coefficients σ and ω to predict the rejection behavior of trace elements in the presence of complexing ligand necessitated due to the fact that the rejection behavior at trace concentrations is more dependent on probability with reference to a particular pore (related to pore diameter) and the size of the complexed species (mw of the particular species). A set of transport equations have been derived from Kedem Katachalsky’s irreversible thermodynamic model, by incorporating pore-size distribution of the membrane and molecular weight distribution (derived from size distribution) of ligand (polyethyleneimine). The validation of model has been done throug...