Innovative Membrane Solutions for Urban Water Security

Rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial activities are placing increasing pressure on urban water systems. Contamination from industrial discharge, emerging pollutants, and aging infrastructure threatens the quality and availability of urban water resources. Membrane technologies have emerged as powerful tools for water purification and reuse due to their high selectivity, modular design, and ability to remove a broad range of contaminants. However, challenges remain, including membrane fouling, high operational costs, and limited efficiency in removing certain emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and persistent organic contaminants.Recent advances in membrane material science, nanostructured membranes, and hybrid treatment systems are opening new opportunities to address these challenges. Innovations in membrane fabrication, surface functionalization, and process integration are improving permeability, selectivity, and fouling resistance while reducing energy consumption. Despite this progress, translating these technological advances into scalable and cost-effective solutions for complex urban water systems remains a field rich with opportunities for further research and development.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research on membrane technologies designed to enhance urban water security. It seeks to explore how advanced membrane materials, novel manufacturing approaches, and integrated treatment systems can improve the removal of conventional and emerging contaminants in urban environments. Central questions guiding this topic include: How can membrane technologies be integrated into existing water systems efficiently and cost-effectively? What novel materials and methods can be developed to enhance pollutant removal across a broader spectrum of urban contaminants? Contributions addressing the deployment, optimization, and economic feasibility of membrane processes within existing urban water infrastructures are particularly encouraged.We welcome submissions that advance the understanding and application of membrane technologies for sustainable urban water management.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:Advanced membrane materials and their applications in urban water treatment and reuseNovel membrane fabrication and surface modification techniques for enhanced pollutant captureHybrid and integrated membrane-based treatment systemsRemoval of emerging contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, microplastics, PFAS)Strategies to mitigate membrane fouling and improve durabilityEnergy-efficient and cost-effective membrane operationsIntegration of membrane technologies in urban water infrastructurePilot studies, field deployments, and case studies in urban water systemsWe welcome original research articles, review articles, case studies, and technology reports that provide new insights into the development, optimization, and implementation of membrane technologies for resilient urban water systems. Topic editors: Vandré Brião, Ahmed Hannachi, Pontie Maxime Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79176/innovative-membrane-solutions-for-urban-water-security