Vanadium removal from water assisted by FeCl3 using low pressure membranes

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TÜRK O. K., ÇAKMAKCI M., Acar F.

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, vol.23, no.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s13762-026-07084-6
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Drinking water, Low pressure membranes, Membrane filtration, Vanadium
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Vanadium (V), released from both natural and anthropogenic sources, occurs in groundwater and surface waters at 0.2–100 µg L−1 (freshwater) and 0.2–29 µg L−1 (seawater). This work evaluates V removal with low-pressure membranes (MV020 and UP150) enhanced with FeCl3. The effects of Fe/V molar ratio, transmembrane pressures (TMPs), and membrane type on removal efficiency and flux performance were examined. In a 60-min operational period, V rejection at Fe/V = 0 remained below 61.8% (UP150) and 24.5% (MV020). Raising the ratio at Fe/V = 1 increased removal to 73.9% (UP150) and 53.3% (MV020); at Fe/V = 3 the values rose to 88.3% and 60.2%, respectively. In 6-h operational period with UP150 at Fe/V = 3, peak removal reached 95.1%, but progressive fouling caused flux decline; after backwashing cycles the flux partially recovered while removal stabilised around 86%. SEM–EDS and FTIR analyses confirmed Fe–V interactions on membrane surfaces. Overall, FeCl3-assisted low-pressure UF offers high V rejection with moderate chemical demand, making it a compact and energy-efficient option for decentralised water treatment.