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A Multi-Physics CFD Framework for Modeling Adsorption and Fouling Dynamics in Multi-Channel Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Micropollutant Removal from Wastewater

Author(s)
Muhamad Aftab Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Science and Technology,,Pakistan
Amir Muhammad Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Science and Technology,,Pakistan
Abstract
Micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors pose significant environmental and health risks when released into waterways via wastewater treatment plant effluents. Multi-channel mixed-matrix membranes (MCMMMs) with embedded powdered activated carbon (PAC) offer a promising solution, combining particulate filtration and micropollutant adsorption in a single treatment step. MCMMMs have shown great potential for pollutant removal, but commercialization is limited by membrane fouling causing flux decline, higher energy demand, and frequent regeneration, along with few other challenges like polymer instability, suboptimal PAC regeneration and limited adsorption- desorption understanding. This project proposes a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) framework to simulate coupled hydrodynamics, solute transport, adsorption, and fouling dynamics in PAC-embedded MCMMMs. The model will integrate Navier-Stokes equations for hydrodynamics, convection-diffusion for mass transfer, Langmuir isotherms for adsorption, and novel terms to simulate foulant deposition and pore blockage. It will be validated against experimental data from the hosts on the removal of micropollutants carbamazepine (CBM), paracetamol (PAR), and diclofenac (DCF). The simulations will provide insights into the spatial and temporal evolution of fouling, its interaction with adsorption sites, and its impact on regeneration efficiency, as well as pollutant adsorption, ethanol-assisted regeneration, and thermal stability effects. The goal is to use this CFD model to predict optimized membrane geometries and operational conditions that minimize fouling and thus enabling economical, efficient and long-term operation of MCMMMs for advanced wastewater treatment.
Publication Details
Page(s) 1-1
DOI DOI not available
Published Journal: SPI-2026: Abstract book on 7th International Conference on Sustainability in Process Industry (SPI-2026), February 9-10, 2026, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2026

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Keywords
Multi-channel mixed-matrix membrane, computational fluid dynamics, micropollutants
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