Characterization of Two Nanofiltration Membranes for the Separation of Ions from Acid Mine Water

We evaluated nanofiltration for separation of ions from acid mine drainage (AMD), using two composite nanofiltration membranes (Nano-Pro-3012 and NF90) as examples of the polyamide class of acid-stable membranes. The structure of the NF membranes was characterized by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. The NF90 displayed a higher permeate flux than Nano-Pro-3012, with higher relative roughness at both pH values. Both membranes suitably rejected most of the metals found in the AMD, but the Nano-Pro-3012 membrane proved unsuitable for sulphate remova