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Closed-Circuit Reverse Osmosis Performance Evaluation in a High-Recovery-Rate Water Reclamation Pilot Project

Author

Listed:
  • Jian Huang

    (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768, USA)

  • Simeng Li

    (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768, USA)

  • Saied Dalagah

    (Department of Interior, Research and Development Office, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO 80215, USA)

  • Shaun Stone

    (Eastern Municipal Water District, 2270 Trumble Rd., Perris, CA 92570, USA)

  • David Ahles

    (Eastern Municipal Water District, 2270 Trumble Rd., Perris, CA 92570, USA)

  • Joe Mouawad

    (Eastern Municipal Water District, 2270 Trumble Rd., Perris, CA 92570, USA)

  • Mohamadali Sharbatmaleki

    (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768, USA)

Abstract

Reusing treated effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants is essential for addressing freshwater scarcity, a key objective of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While closed-circuit reverse osmosis (CCRO) has shown promise in municipal reuse facilities, the comprehensive assessment of water quality parameters, especially at higher recovery rates, is lacking. In this study, at the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility (SJVRWRF), we evaluated the performance of CCRO in treating municipal wastewater tertiary effluent, focusing on high recovery rates. Our analysis of selected chemical parameters across recovery rates ranging from 90% to 95% revealed the effective removal of suspended particles by CCRO. However, variations in removal rates were observed among ions, with chloride removal at 96.3% and nitrate removal at 79.6%, contrasting with fluoride’s complete removal and sulfate’s 99.7% removal rate. Divalent ions like calcium and magnesium exhibited better rejection than monovalent ions such as sodium and potassium. Additionally, the removal efficiency of total dissolved solids (TDSs), alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, sodium, and potassium decreased with an increasing recovery rate, while sulfate, calcium, and magnesium removal rates remained stable. These findings enhance our understanding of membrane treatment processes, providing valuable insights for future water reclamation projects to combat freshwater resource scarcity.

Suggested Citation

  • Jian Huang & Simeng Li & Saied Dalagah & Shaun Stone & David Ahles & Joe Mouawad & Mohamadali Sharbatmaleki, 2025. "Closed-Circuit Reverse Osmosis Performance Evaluation in a High-Recovery-Rate Water Reclamation Pilot Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3388-:d:1632248
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