Membrane Technology for Water and Wastewater Treatment in Ethiopia: Current Status and Future Prospects

Authors

1 LEPMI, Univ. of Grenoble Alpes, France

2 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.

3 Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, Jigjiga University, P.O. Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

4 Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Building 310, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

5 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Abstract

In this paper, we appraised the link between policy and research advancement in the area of membrane technology to  maximize its application in developing countries. First, the water pollution and water scarcity challenges in Ethiopia are  discussed together with the national policy. The minimum allowable concentration for pollutants set by the Ethiopian  water resource authorities is significantly higher than the one set, for example, by WHO due to lack of suitable  wastewater treatment technologies. To support population growth, Ethiopia urgently needs stringent legislation backed  up by alternative treatment technologies in order to implement multi-sectoral water protection and provision programs.  The current-status of membrane technologies and the availability of raw materials for membrane fabrication are  presented. Key types of membrane technologies that are currently practiced and the obtained merits compared to  traditional treatment strategies are thoroughly reviewed. Membrane technology can be used as a two-way tool: (i) to fill  gaps in policy implementation with more stringent minimum allowable pollutants concentration and (ii) to reduce water  pollution and scarcity. Implementing hybrid membrane process for resource recovery and wastewater reclamation can  lead us towards a green resilient circular economy. We strongly believe that this work provides useful information for  membrane researchers as well as water managers thereby motivating further research and planning on membrane  processes in water and wastewater treatment in Ethiopia and other developing economy countries.  

Graphical Abstract

Membrane Technology for Water and Wastewater Treatment in Ethiopia: Current Status and Future Prospects

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Journal of Membrane Science and Research
Volume 8, Issue 1
Special Issue: Membranes for Development and Sustainable Future
January 2022

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 September 2021
  • Revise Date: 19 December 2021
  • Accept Date: 31 December 2021

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