Removal of carbamates in drinking water by nanofiltration in tangential flow

Membranes processes, in particular, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, represent an important alternative for treatment of contaminated waters. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the removal of the carbamates: carbaryl, carbofuran and methomyl at different concentrations from water fortified with these compounds. A pilot nanofiltration unit, operating in the tangential flow, provided with a membrane in the spiral configuration, Model NF90-4040 (Dow Filmtec Membranes) was used. Two types of fortified water with carbamates were performed: distilled water and pond water. Nanofiltration tests with distilled water were performed in a closed system, in order to maintain a constant concentration of carbamates in the feed water. In this case, the efficiency of carbamates removal was greater or equal than 89, 100 and 74% for carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl, respectively. When using pond water, the removal of carbamates was higher or equal: 98, 100 and 90% for carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl, respectively. The results indicate that by nanofiltration, it is possible to obtain drinking water from the contaminated water with carbamates, according to international guidelines.