Removal of hazardous substances from water using ultrafiltration in conjunction with soluble polymers

The applications of separation techniques using ultrafiltration in connection with functional soluble polymers for the removal of environmentally relevant and toxic substances from waters are reviewed. The types of interactions of the soluble polymers with low molecular mass compounds, the criteria for selecting the appropriate polymeric agents, and the binding conditions are discussed. Several factors influencing the separation of the target substances such as membrane type, solution composition, synergism, polymer adsorption, deformation of macromolecules, and hydrodynamics are evaluated and highlighted. Chemical, electrochemical, and thermal regeneration aspects are also covered. Finally, an overview on varius preparative and analytical application examples is presented.