Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: : Dairy processing produces wastewater with high organic loads (proteins, lactose, fats), suspended solids, and variable composition linked to production activities. Membrane technology provides compact, high-quality treatment and is increasingly being considered for water reuse and resource recovery. Ceramic membranes made of oxides such as alumina, zirconia, and titania offer significant advantages over polymeric membranes: chemical and thermal robustness, mechanical strength, and tolerance to aggressive cleaning. This descriptive paper synthesizes the state of knowledge on the use of ceramic membranes on dairy wastewater, focusing on membrane types and configurations, fouling mechanisms, cleaning strategies, operational methods, and economic considerations. The paper outlines specific pilot or plant-scale configurations, performance metrics used in the literature, and practical recommendations for implementing ceramic-membrane-based systems in dairy plants. The goal is to present a clear, practical context that researchers and practitioners can use to design pilots, anticipate operational challenges, and evaluate lifecycle tradeoffs. Keywords: Dairy processing industry, Dairy wastewater, Membrane technologies, Polymeric membranes, Ceramic membranes.
DOI: 10.55041/ijsrem42862
Authors: Mr. Prashant S.Kale, Sandeep.C .Dighe
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7083434353