Hybrid Membrane Photocatalytic Reactors for Polluted River Water Treatment: a Review on Advancements and Pilot-scale Prospects
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The increasing discharge of untreated effluents into rivers, particularly from agricultural and industrial sectors, has led to severe degradation of surface water quality. In response, global and national authorities have established various water quality standards, such as Malaysia’s Water Quality Index (WQI) and National Water Quality Standards (NWQS), to ensure cleaner water resources. However, conventional treatment methods such as coagulation, flocculation, and filtration are often inadequate in removing micropollutants and emerging contaminants. This review outlines the current landscape of river water treatment in Malaysia, with a specific focus on emerging hybrid membrane-photocatalytic reactor (MPR) technologies. The integration of membrane separation and photocatalytic degradation in MPR systems offers a synergistic solution to enhance pollutant removal efficiency, reduce membrane fouling, and promote sustainable operation. Recent advancements at the laboratory scale have demonstrated promising pollutant removal efficiencies for both organic and inorganic contaminants. However, scaling to pilot-level remains limited due to catalyst recovery issues and operational complexity. By analyzing regulatory frameworks, treatment performance, and system configurations, this review highlights the potential of hybrid MPRs as a transformative approach for polluted river water remediation. The findings support the development of integrated and high-performance treatment strategies suited for complex aquatic environments.
Source: ASEAN Engineering Journal
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416890726
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