Removal of cadmium from metal processing wastewaters by reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis has effectively been utilized to remove cadmium from a metal processing waste stream. Experimentation with a thin-film composite membrane reduced cadmium concentrations from 165 to 0.003 mg/L under optional processing conditions. Concentrations of other metals and overall conductivity were rejected in excess of 98%. Rejection efficiency and production rate were increased by an increase in system operating pressure. Cadmium was effectively concentrated in a batch concentration study while generating high quality water for process reuse. Membrane fouling is a problem if proper in-line prefiltration is not utilized. Reverse osmosis appears to be an effective alternative to other more traditional treatment methodologies.