The LIFE ELEKTRA project has achieved a significant milestone with the publication of its first scientific paper, titled “Towards a zero liquid discharge process from brine treatment: Water recovery, nitrate electrochemical elimination and potential valorization of hydrogen and salts,” in the prestigious journal Science of the Total Environment.
This study presents an innovative approach to treating brines from electrodialysis reversal water treatment plants, aiming to minimize environmental impact through a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) process. The research outlines a comprehensive treatment train that includes:
– Ion-exchange equilibrium for brine softening or demineralization.
– Reverse osmosis to recover up to 75% of suitable water and concentrate nitrates for efficient electrochemical reduction.
– Electrochemical reduction of nitrates using a Bi/Sn cathode, achieving a 60% reduction of initial nitrate to nitrogen gas, and producing hydrogen as a valuable by-product.
– Valorisation of by-products, such as the recovery of insoluble salts like calcium carbonate and the reuse of saline solutions for resin regeneration.
The process demonstrated a 98% softening efficiency and effectively reduced nitrate concentrations, contributing to sustainable water management and resource recovery.
This publication underscores LIFE ELEKTRA’s commitment to advancing circular economy principles in water treatment, aligning with the European Union’s environmental objectives.
For more details, access the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724022034?via%3Dihub
