APPLICATION OF A FORWARD OSMOSIS MEMBRANE IN REMOVAL OF CHROMIUM FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Exposure to carcinogenic metals, such as hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], through drinking water is a major global public health concern and associated with various concerns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two forward osmosis membranes to remove chromium from aqueous solution. Effects of factors, such as pH, contact time, membrane type, and draw solution, were also studied. The results show that the basic pH caused higher chromium removal from water. On the other hand, with rising time, the removal efficiency of chromium was decreased and ammonium bicarbonate (NH sub(4)HCO sub(3)), as a draw solution, had a better efficiency compared to sodium chloride. Generally, the forward osmosis process can be utilized effectively for removal of chromium from aqueous solutions.