SavedAdd your journal

Journals / Bor Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 11 Sayı: 3

Boron Removal by Ceramic Membrane Technology: An Experimental Study on Model Boron Solution and Model Geothermal Water

Seramik Membran Teknolojisi ile Bor Giderimi: Model Bor Çözeltisi ve Model Jeotermal Su Üzerine Deneysel Bir Araştırma

Saadet Acar Can(SÜLEYMAN DEMİREL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-6685-4736
Bilgehan İlker Harman(SÜLEYMAN DEMİREL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-1189-2289
Hasan Köseoğlu(SÜLEYMAN DEMİREL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-0183-208X
Pages
203–217
Publication Date
2026-09-30
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The overall findings of the study indicate that the ceramic membrane with a 1 kDa pore size is not sufficient for boron removal from geothermal waters in its current state; however, performance can be improved through pH optimization, membrane modifications, pre-treatment steps, and hybrid process integrations.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Ceramic membranes offer significant advantages over polymeric membranes in geothermal water treatment due to their high temperature and chemical resistance.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The objective of this study is to evaluate the boron removal performance, flux stability, and process feasibility of a ceramic membrane with a 1 kDa MWCO in model boron solutions and model geothermal water samples.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:The overall findings of the study indicate that the ceramic membrane with a 1 kDa pore size is not sufficient for boron removal from geothermal waters in its current state; however, performance can be improved through pH optimization, membrane modifications, pre-treatment steps, and hybrid process integrations.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Bor giderimi · Döngüsel ekonomi · Jeotermal su

Abstract

Ceramic membranes offer significant advantages over polymeric membranes in geothermal water treatment due to their high temperature and chemical resistance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the boron removal performance, flux stability, and process feasibility of a ceramic membrane with a 1 kDa MWCO in model boron solutions and model geothermal water samples. Experimental studies were conducted using a laboratory-scale cross-flow ceramic membrane test system with a tubular ceramic membrane having a pore size of 1 kDa. Model boron solutions and model geothermal water samples were tested at different operating pressures (1, 2, and 4 bar), pH values (natural pH and pH 9.5), and boron concentrations (10 and 20 ppm B). The results obtained showed that the increase in pressure significantly increased the permeate flow rate, but the boron removal efficiency remained low. This situation has been attributed to boron being present in the form of boric acid under natural pH conditions and being able to pass through the membrane pores due to its small molecular size. A similar trend was observed in model geothermal water experiments, and it was determined that dissolved ions and salts could not be retained by the 1 kDa ceramic membrane. SEM and SEM-EDX analyses confirmed the membrane's three-layer structure, homogeneous pore morphology, and TiO2-based composition. Economic evaluation revealed that despite the high initial investment cost of ceramic membranes, their high flux performance, long service life, and structural durability make them a sustainable option in the long term. The overall findings of the study indicate that the ceramic membrane with a 1 kDa pore size is not sufficient for boron removal from geothermal waters in its current state; however, performance can be improved through pH optimization, membrane modifications, pre-treatment steps, and hybrid process integrations. Furthermore, researching and developing technologies for boron recovery could enable increased environmental and economic contributions within the scope of the circular economy.

Özet

Seramik membranlar, yüksek sıcaklık ve kimyasal dayanıklılıkları sayesinde jeotermal su arıtımında polimerik membranlara kıyasla önemli avantajlar sunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, model bor çözeltisi ve model jeotermal su örneklerinde 1 kDa MWCO değerine sahip seramik membranın bor giderim performansını, akı kararlılığını ve proses uygulanabilirliğini değerlendirmektir. Deneysel çalışmalar, laboratuvar ölçekli çapraz akışlı seramik membran test sistemi kullanılarak, 1 kDa gözenek çapına sahip tübüler seramik membran ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Model bor çözeltisi ve model jeotermal su örnekleri farklı işletme basınçlarında (1, 2 ve 4 bar), pH değerlerinde (doğal pH ve pH 9,5) ve bor konsantrasyonlarında (10 ve 20 ppm B) test edilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, basınç artışının süzüntü akısını belirgin şekilde yükselttiğini, ancak bor giderim veriminin düşük seviyelerde kaldığını göstermiştir. Bu durum, borun doğal pH koşullarında borik asit formunda bulunması ve küçük moleküler boyutu nedeniyle membran gözeneklerinden geçebilmesiyle ilişkilendirilmiştir. Model jeotermal su deneylerinde de benzer eğilim gözlenmiş olup çözünmüş iyonların ve tuzların 1 kDa seramik membran tarafından tutulamadığı belirlenmiştir. SEM ve SEM-EDX analizleri, membranın üç katmanlı yapısını, homojen gözenek morfolojisini ve TiO2 esaslı bileşimini doğrulamıştır. Ekonomik değerlendirme, seramik membranların yüksek ilk yatırım maliyetine rağmen, yüksek akı performansı, uzun kullanım ömrü ve yapısal dayanıklılıkları sayesinde uzun vadede sürdürülebilir bir seçenek oluşturabileceğini ortaya koymuştur. Çalışmanın genel bulguları, 1 kDa gözenek boyutuna sahip seramik membranın mevcut haliyle jeotermal sulardan bor giderimi için yeterli olmadığını; ancak pH optimizasyonu, membran modifikasyonları, ön arıtma adımları ve hibrit proses entegrasyonları ile performansın arttırılabileceğini göstermektedir. Ek olarak, borun geri kazanımına yönelik teknolojilerin araştırılması ve geliştirilmesi, döngüsel ekonomi kapsamında çevresel ve ekonomik katkıların arttırılmasına olanak sağlayabilir.

🔖

Cite This Article

Can, S. A., Harman, B. İ., Köseoğlu, H., *, S. A. C. (2026). Boron Removal by Ceramic Membrane Technology: An Experimental Study on Model Boron Solution and Model Geothermal Water. Bor Dergisi, Cilt: 11 Sayı: 3, 203–217. https://doi.org/10.30728/boron.1863672

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (49)

  1. Jarma, Y. A., Karaoğlu, A., Tekin, Ö., Baba, A., Ökten, H. E., Tomaszewska, B., Bostancı, K., Arda, M., & Kabay, N. (2021). Assessment of different nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes for simultaneous removal of arsenic and boron from spent geothermal water. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 405, 124129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124129
  2. Orhun, G. E., Bektaş, T. E., Orhun, E., & Yılmaz, D. (2025). Boron-depleted geothermal water as an alternative irrigation source: Effects on the germination and nutritional composition of edible seed sprouts. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 146, 107873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2025.107873
  3. Goren, A. Y., & Okten, H. E. (2022). 3D electrode use in MDC for enhanced removal of boron from geothermal water. Desalination, 530, 115668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2022.115668
  4. Zhang, L., Liang, X., Yang, W., Xiao, C., Zhang, J., Wang, X., & Dai, R. (2024). Geothermal water boron enrichment patterns in the Quantou Formation, central depression of the southern Songliao Basin. Geothermics, 120, 103016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2024.103016
  5. Samatya, S., Tuncel, S. A., & Kabay, N. (2015). Boron removal from RO permeate of geothermal water by monodisperse poly(vinylbenzyl chloride-co-divinylbenzene) beads containing N-methyl-D-glucamine. Desalination, 364, 75-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2014.01.029
  6. Tomaszewska, B., Bodzek, M., & Kmiecik, E. (2016). Boron removal from geothermal water using DOW Chemical high separation BWRO membrane. Desalination and Water Treatment, 57(57), 27477-27484. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2016.1176962
  7. Ozbey-Unal, B., Imer, D. Y., Keskinler, B., & Koyuncu, I. (2018). Boron removal from geothermal water by air gap membrane distillation. Desalination, 433, 141-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2018.01.033
  8. Çermikli, E., Şen, F., Altıok, E., Wolska, J., Cyganowski, P., Kabay, N., Bryjak, M., Arda, M., Yüksel, M., & (2020). Performances of novel chelating ion exchange resins for boron and arsenic removal from saline geothermal water using adsorption-membrane filtration hybrid process. Desalination, 491, 114504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2020.114504
  9. So, Y., & Park, C. (2025). Innovative bismuth oxyiodide-coated tubular ceramic nanofiltration membrane for improved treatment of semiconductor wastewater. Separation and Purification Technology, 361, 131553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.131553
  10. Lagdali, S., El-Habacha, M., Benjelloun, M., Lasfar, M., Mahmoudy, G., Dabagh, A., Miyah, Y., Iaich, S., & Zerbet, M. (2025). Low-cost ceramic membranes: Manufacturing methods, cost analysis and application in water and wastewater treatment: A review. ChemPhysMater, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chphma.2025.08.002
  11. Hosseinzadeh, F., Hashemi, H., & Sarpoolaky, H. (2025). Sustainable ceramic membrane for water and wastewater treatment: A comprehensive review of environmental, social, and economic aspects. Desalination, 615, 119231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2025.119231
  12. Görkem Öner, Ş. G., Kabay, N., Güler, E., Kitiş, M., & Yüksel, M. (2011). A comparative study for the removal of boron and silica from geothermal water by cross-flow flat sheet reverse osmosis method. Desalination, 283, 10-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2011.02.038
  13. Yilmaz, İ., Kabay, N., Bryjak, M., Yüksel, M., Wolska, J., & Koltuniewicz, A. (2006). A submerged membrane-ıon-exchange hybrid process for boron removal. Desalination, 198(1-3), 310-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2006.01.031
  14. Koseoglu, P., Yoshizuka, K., Nishihama, S., Yuksel, U., & Kabay, N. (2011). Removal of boron and arsenic from geothermal water in Kyushu Island, Japan, by using selective ıon exchange resins. Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange, 29(3), 440-457. https://doi.org/10.1080/07366299.2011.573448
  15. Yılmaz-İpek, İ. (2009). Boron removal from geothermal water by ion exchange-membrane filtration hybrid process [Ph.D. thesis, Ege University]. Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, İzmir, Türkiye.
  16. Jarma, Y. A., Karaoğlu, A., Tekin, Ö., Senan, I. R. A., Baba, A., & Kabay, N. (2022). Integrated pressure-driven membrane separation processes for the production of agricultural irrigation water from spent geothermal water. Desalination, 523, 115428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2021.115428
  17. Eryildiz, B., Yuksekdag, A., Korkut, S., & Koyuncu, İ. (2021). Performance evaluation of boron removal from wastewater containing high boron content according to operating parameters by air gap membrane distillation. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 22, 101493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101493
  18. Altmann, T., Rousseva, A., Vrouwenvelder, J., Shaw, M., & Das, R. (2023). Effectiveness of ceramic ultrafiltration as pretreatment for seawater reverse osmosis. Desalination, 564, 116781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2023.116781
  19. Kim, S., & Park, C. (2022). Fouling behavior and cleaning strategies of ceramic ultrafiltration membranes for the treatment and reuse of laundry wastewater. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 48, 102840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2022.102840
  20. Teow, Y. H., Chiah, Y. H., Ho, K. C., & Mahmoudi, E. (2022). Treatment of semiconductor-industry wastewater with the application of ceramic membrane and polymeric membrane. Journal of Cleaner Production, 337, 130569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130569
  21. Mamun Kabir, S. M., Mahmud, H., & Schӧenberger, H. (2022). Recovery of dyes and salts from highly concentrated (dye and salt) mixed water using nanofiltration ceramic membranes. Heliyon, 8(11), e11543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11543
  22. Kabay, N., Güler, E., & Bryjak, M. (2010). Boron in seawater and methods for its separation: A review. Desalination, 261, 212-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2010.05.033
  23. Lou, X. Y., Boada, R., Yohai, L., & Valiente, M. (2023). Outstanding performance of hierarchical alumina microspheres for boron removal in the presence of competing ions. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 55, 104218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2023.104218
  24. Choi, W., Lee, M., & Lim, G. (2025). Multiscale, porous anion-exchangeable sponge for sustainable and convenient boron removal. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 485, 136784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136784
  25. Wu, M. C., Kao, Y. H., & Hou, C. H. (2024). Evaluating boron removal from aqueous solutions using membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI): Efficacy and limitations. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 12(3), 113104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.113104
  26. Mansour, R. B. (2023). Modeling and optimization of salt and boron removal in reverse osmosis system. Desalination, 562, 116699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2023.116699
  27. Atıksu Arıtma Tesisleri Teknik Usuller Tebliği (AATTUT) (5 Temmuz 2025). (2010). T.C. Çevre, Şehircilik ve İklim Değişikliği Bakanlığı, 27527 sayılı Resmî Gazete, Ankara. https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=13873&MevzuatTur=9&MevzuatTertip=5 [Technical Procedures for Wastewater Treatment Plants (AATTUT) (July 5, 2025). (2010). Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Official Gazette No. 27527, Ankara]
  28. Delikanlı, N. E. (2019). Polimerik/Modifiye Seramik Hibrit Membran Prosesi ile Endüstriyel Atık Sudan Bakır Giderimi ve Geri Kazanımı (Yayın No. 547730) [Doktora tezi, Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi]. Ulusal Tez Merkezi. [Copper Removal and Recovery from Industrial Wastewater Using a Polymeric/Modified Ceramic Hybrid Membrane Process (Publication No. 547730) [Doctoral thesis, Süleyman Demirel University]. National Thesis Center]]
  29. Lozada, G. S. L., López, A. I. G., Martínez-Férez, A., & Ochando-Pulido, J. M. (2022). On the modeling and optimization of two-phase olive-oil washing wastewater treatment and polyphenols recovery by ceramic tubular microfiltration membranes. Journal of Environmental Management, 316, 115227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115227
  30. Yang, W., Guo, Q., Duan, D., Wang, T., Liu, J., Du, X., Liu, Y., & Xia, S. (2022). Characteristics of flat-sheet ceramic ultrafiltration membranes for lake water treatment: A pilot study. Separation and Purification Technology, 289, 120677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.120677
  31. Shi, C., Rackemann, D. W., Moghaddam, L., Wei, B., Li, K., Lu, H., Xie, C., Hang, F., & Doherty, W. O. (2019). Ceramic membrane filtration of factory sugarcane juice: Effect of pretreatment on permeate flux, juice quality and fouling. Journal of Food Engineering, 243, 101-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2018.09.012
  32. Sentana, I., Puche, R. D., Sentana, E., & Prats, D. (2011). Reduction of chlorination byproducts in surface water using ceramic nanofiltration membranes. Desalination, 277(1-3), 147-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2011.04.016
  33. Samadi, A., Gao, L., Kong, L., Orooji, Y., & Zhao, S. (2022). Waste-derived low-cost ceramic membranes for water treatment: Opportunities, challenges and future directions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 185, 106497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106497
  34. Singh, P., Manikandan, N. A., Purnima, M., Pakshirajan, K., & Pugazhenthi, G. (2020). Recovery of lignin from water and methanol using low-cost kaolin based tubular ceramic membrane. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 38, 101615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2020.101615
  35. Das, B., Chakrabarty, B., & Barkakati, P. (2016). Preparation and characterization of novel ceramic membranes for micro-filtration applications. Ceramics International, 42(13), 14326-14333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2016.06.125
  36. Foorginezhad, S., Zerafat, M. M., Mohammadi, Y., & Asadnia, M. (2022). Fabrication of tubular ceramic membranes as low-cost adsorbent using natural clay for heavy metals removal. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 10, 100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2022.100550
  37. Dutournié, P., Limousy, L., Anquetil, J., & Déon, S. (2017). Modification of the selectivity properties of tubular ceramic membranes after alkaline treatment. Membranes, 7(4), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes7040065
  38. Akash, F. A., Shovon, S. M., Rahman, W., Rahman, M. A., Chakraborty, P., Prasetya, T. A. E., & Monir, M. U. (2024). Advancements in ceramic membrane technology for water and wastewater treatment: A comprehensive exploration of current utilizations and prospective horizons. Desalination and Water Treatment, 319, 100569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100569
  39. Bonatech. (17 Kasım 2025). Ceramic membrane industrial filtration equipment. https://bona-filtration.com/product-range/ceramic-membrane-pilot-plant/ceramic-membrane-pilot-plant-bncm3-2-m/
  40. Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası. (14 Kasım 2025). TCMB döviz kurları. https://www.tcmb.gov.tr/ [Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. (November 14, 2025). TCMB exchange rates]
  41. Dilaver, M., Soydemir, G., Dursun, M., Hocaoğlu, S. M., Keskinler, B., Ağtaş, M., Koyuncu, İ., & Alp, K. (2023). Highly alkali caustic discharges recovery using tubular and disc type of ceramic membranes and its applicability as a near zero liquid discharge opportunity in the textile industry. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11(6), 111351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2023.111351
  42. Kimya Borsası. (14 Kasım 2025). https://www.kimyaborsasi.com.tr/tr/tum-urunler-22.html [Chemical Exchange]
  43. Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu (EPDK). (14 Kasım 2025). Elektrik Faturalarına Esas Tarife Tabloları. https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/Icerik/3-1327/elektrik-faturalarina-esas-tarife-tablolari [Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK). (November 14, 2025). Tariff Tables for Electricity Bills]
  44. Kim, K. C., Kim, N. I., Jiang, T., Kim, J. C., & Kang, C. I. (2023). Boron recovery from salt lake brine, seawater, and wastewater: A review. Hydrometallurgy, 106062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2023.106062
  45. de Azevedo, J. C. V., de Urzedo, A. P. F. M., da Luz Mesquita, P., da Cunha Filho, R. G., Baston, E. P., Samanamud, G. L., Naves, L. L. R., & Naves, F. L. (2024). Recent advances in boron removal in aqueous media: An approach to the adsorption process and process optimization. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(8), 12207-12228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-31882-5
  46. Adavodi, R., Rahmati, S., & Vegliò, F. (2025). Towards efficient and selective boron recovery from end-of-life rare earth permanent magnets using an ionic liquid. Journal of Cleaner Production, 512, 145694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145694
  47. Yusuf, A., Sodiq, A., Giwa, A., Eke, J., Pikuda, O., De Luca, G., Di Salvo, J. L., & Chakraborty, S. (2020). A review of emerging trends in membrane science and technology for sustainable water treatment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 266, 121867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121867
  48. Zare, J., Abbasi, M., Hashemifard, S. A., Dizge, N., Dibaj, M., & Akrami, M. (2024). Eco-friendly superhydrophobic modification of low-cost multi-layer composite mullite base tubular ceramic membrane for water desalination. Water, 16(11), 1593. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111593
  49. Serhiienko, A. O., Dontsova, T. A., Yanushevska, O. I., Nahirniak, S. V., & Ahmad, H. B. (2020). Ceramic membranes: New trends and prospects (short review). Water and Water Purification Technologies. Scientific and Technical News, 27(2), 4-31. https://doi.org/10.20535/2218-93002722020208817