Advancements in Electrodialysis for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment: Innovations, Applications and Future Directions

Dear Colleagues,

Electrodialysis (ED), a membrane-based electrochemical process, has emerged as a versatile and transformative technology for sustainable water and wastewater treatment. By employing an electric field to drive ions across ion-selective membranes, ED effectively separates dissolved salts and contaminants, making it a vital solution for desalination, demineralization, and resource recovery. The unique ability of ED to selectively remove ions and adapt to diverse water quality challenges underscores its growing significance in addressing global water scarcity and sustainability goals. In recent years, advancements in ED technology have pushed the boundaries of its applications and efficiency. From improved membrane materials to the integration of ED with hybrid systems, researchers and practitioners are continuously innovating to enhance performance, reduce energy consumption, and expand the scope of ED in water treatment. This Special Issue on "Advancements in Electrodialysis for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment: Innovations, Applications and Future Directions" seeks high-quality research findings and approaches while exploring the latest developments in electrodialysis, showcasing breakthroughs in materials science, system design, and novel applications shaping the future of this promising technology. The topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Improved Membrane Materials

Advances in ion-exchange membranes have driven significant improvements in ED performance. Enhanced selectivity, durability, and fouling resistance are among the key achievements, paving the way for more efficient and long-lasting systems. Contributions in this area may include the synthesis and characterization of novel membranes and the incorporation of nanomaterials into hybrid designs to achieve superior ion selectivity and operational stability.

Integration with Hybrid Systems

Electrodialysis is increasingly being integrated with other water treatment processes, such as reverse osmosis (RO), forward osmosis, and membrane bioreactors (MBRs), to address complex treatment challenges such as brine management and resource recovery. This Special Issue seeks case studies and research articles on hybrid systems that leverage the unique strengths of ED to achieve zero-liquid discharge

Energy Optimization

Energy efficiency remains a critical focus for ED technologies. Innovations in stack configurations, renewable energy integration, and system design are contributing to reduced operational costs and enhanced sustainability. Articles in this section may explore renewable-powered ED systems, energy modeling, and novel approaches to minimize energy consumption.

Resource Recovery

ED’s potential for resource recovery, including the extraction of nutrients such as ammonia and phosphate or valuable elements such as lithium and rare earth metals, positions it as a key technology in circular economy frameworks. This Special Issue welcomes studies on selective resource recovery and its integration into sustainable water management practices.

Selective Ion Removal

The ability to selectively remove ions such as heavy metals, scaling ions, and micropollutants offers solutions for improving water quality in industrial and environmental contexts. Advances in selective ion-exchange membranes and applications in heavy metal remediation are among the anticipated contributions.

Compact and Modular Systems

Compact, modular ED systems enable decentralized and off-grid water treatment solutions. This Special Issue highlights field-scale testing and performance evaluations of portable ED units designed for rural areas and emergency scenarios.

Electrodialysis for Emerging Contaminants

The removal of emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other micropollutants, is an expanding area for ED applications. Research on process optimization and system adaptations for treating these challenging pollutants is highly encouraged.

This Special Issue invites researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to contribute their insights and findings on advancements in electrodialysis. By bridging scientific innovation with practical applications, we aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of ED's potential to revolutionize water and wastewater treatment for a sustainable future.

Dr. Oluwaseun Ogunbiyi
Guest Editor

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• wastewater treatment
• desalination technologies
• emerging contaminants
• membrane fouling mitigation
• industrial wastewater reuse
• brine management
• process intensification
• resource recovery
• zero-liquid discharge
• scaling and fouling