The application of membrane filtration for the removal of ammonium ions from potable water

It is well recognized that soluble ammonia and nitrite in drinking water has chronic effects on humans. Ammonia has potential environmental health hazards, particularly to young children. European Union Standards limit the concentration of ammonia to 0.5 mg/l in drinking water. In Eskisehir (Turkey) drinking and tap water are supplied from a water treatment plant, consisting mainly of screening, sedimentation, filtration and sterilization units and having a capacity of 80.000 m3/d. Depend on the industrial and climatic effects the observed high ammonium concentration in treated water causes undesirable effects of water quality. Therefore, people in Eskisehir do not want to use tap water for drinking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of membrane processes, i.e. Nanofiltration and reverse osmosis to the removal of ammonium and Ca ions from plant effluent and recommend one of them for a subsequent pilot plant application.