Development of advanced method based on nanoporous membranes for separation of pharmaceutical compounds from aqueous streams: Computational simulation and analysis

In this study, we developed a novel methodology for isolation and separation of pharmaceutical compounds from aqueous solutions. Pharmaceutical pollutants are an important group of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which their discharge in aquatic environment may result in severe ecological impacts. Penicillin G (Pen G) is a common type of antibiotic, which its presence in drinkable water sources can increase the probability of drug resistance in bacteria. This paper aims to study the removal efficiency of Pen G antibiotic from wastewater (as the aqueous solution) using novel Amberlite LA-2-contained tributyl phosphate solvent (as the organic solution) inside a porous hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFMC). To reach this aim, a comprehensive numerical simulation has been developed based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique to solve the principal transport equations in shell, membrane and tube sections of HFMC. Evaluation of the results shows the fact that the Amberlite LA-2-contained tributyl phosphate as the organic solution removed very high percentage of existed Pen G in aqueous solution. It is perceived from the results that increase in some parameters such as the concentration of organic solution improved the dimensionless concentration (C/C₀) of Pen G in the HFMC and consequently enhances its removal efficiency. Also, increase in the membrane parameters like porosity, packing density and the number of fibers have positive effect on the removal efficiency of Pen G. The method developed in this study is robust and can be employed in development of advanced pharmaceutical industry with focus on green technology.