The state of full‐scale RO/NF desalination —results from a worldwide survey

Abstract

A worldwide survey was conducted to obtain up‐to‐date data on full‐scale reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) water treatment plants using seawater, brackish water, or reclaimed wastewater as feedwater. Participation in the online survey was limited to facilities with capacities greater than or equal to 1 mgd and dates of startup or retrofitting later than 1990. Survey results highlighted trends in pretreatment and posttreatment, membrane characteristics, operation, costs, residuals management, and regulations. Comments by respondents directly involved in RO/NF plant operations reflected the lessons learned from day‐to‐day experience. Using the information summarized here, the industry can identify the main constraints to the advance of RO/NF technology, i.e., residuals disposals and management, operations and maintenance costs, and focus efforts on developing solutions. Facilities interested in incorporating RO/NF in their treatment process can use this study as a starting point to plan new projects or as a reference against which to compare their own experience.