Sustainable solutions for tea industry wastewater treatment: use of membrane processes

Tea production is a significant industry worldwide, contributing both economically and socially to various regions. However, tea-processing effluents pose environmental challenges due to their high-strength and variable composition. Traditional treatment methods often fall short in effectively treating these complex effluents. The aim of this review is to critically synthesize and compare membrane-based treatment options for tea-processing wastewater (Microfiltration (MF) / Ultrafiltration (UF) / Nanofiltration (NF) / Reverse Osmosis (RO)), linking reported removal performance (e.g. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), color and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS)) with key operational challenges (fouling, energy demand and durability) to provide practical guidance for reuse-oriented treatment design and future research priorities. Membrane technologies, particularly RO, NF, and UF, have emerged as more efficient and sustainable solutions in this regard. These technologies effectively remove organic matter and dissolved pollutants, enabling the reuse of treated water. However, key challenges in applying membrane systems include membrane fouling, high energy consumption, and durability issues. In the future, these challenges could be addressed through the development of high-performance membranes based on nanotechnology and innovative integrated treatment systems. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources into these systems could play a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency. The broader adoption of membrane technologies in tea wastewater treatment has the potential to reduce environmental impacts, conserve water resources, and promote a more sustainable tea production industry.