Researchers from the ‘Surface of Porous Membrane Filters’ research area at IOM have developed a technology for the removal of trace pollutants from water using a photocatalytic membrane reactor. This method combines the proven approaches of photocatalysis and membrane filtration to break down organic micropollutants such as pharmaceutical residues, pesticides and PFAS. The use of photocatalysts and light aids the breakdown of the pollutants, while the membrane enables the separation of the catalyst from the purified water.

Currently, this technology is being tested in a pilot-scale validation project to assess its performance under realistic conditions. For this purpose, a specialized membrane test plant has been set up to evaluate the technology in terms of its specific energy consumption, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. A central goal of the project is to compare the suitability of photocatalytic membrane technology with established methods such as ozonation and activated carbon. Not only the removal of pollutants and the continuous operation will be investigated, but also the potential of the technology for large-scale applications. The results aim to demonstrate the scalability of the technology and provide a well-founded evaluation of its environmental compatibility and resource efficiency. In the long term, this technology could make an important contribution to drinking water treatment and help address the growing water scarcity, especially in light of the challenges posed by climate change.

More information about the validation project: Link