Characterization of Reverse Osmosis Concentrates from Drinking Water Reclamation Sources in Makurdi Metropolis-Nigeria

Year 2018, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 59 - 74, 11.12.2018

Raphael Iwar , Kamil Katibi Bright Nwankpa

Abstract

Reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) is considered
to be an obstacle in the production of high quality water from water
reclamation and desalination plants using dense membrane systems. The ROC contaminants include many harmful
micro-pollutants and nutrients in addition to the organics recalcitrant to
biological treatment, the ROC can pose significant risks to environment and
human health if discharged to receiving water environments without proper
treatment. The increase in the number of drinking water companies that employ
reverse osmosis technology in Makurdi metropolis has necessitated the current
study. In this study, reverse ROC from two different sources (groundwater and
surface water treatment companies) in Makurdi metropolis-Nigeria was monitored
continuously for six months which covered both the rainy and dry season.
Standard procedures for sampling and laboratory test were followed in analyzing
the ROC samples. The average seasonal values of the tested ROC parameters were
compared with the USEPA Wastewater Discharge Limits as well as the FAO
Irrigation Water Quality Standards. Results of the study revealed that the ROC
were highly polluted and unfit for re-use in irrigation or discharge into
surface water bodies and as such needs to be further treated onsite by the
companies generating the waste.

Keywords

Discharge, Drinking water treatment, Irrigation, Nigeria, Reverse osmosis concentrates

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