The metallurgical industry faces major challenges in managing its industrial effluents, especially regarding the conductivity of wastewater. In response to this issue, Ecrimesa, in collaboration with the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Cantabria (UC), has launched an innovative project to reduce the conductivity of its effluents through advanced membrane technologies.

The main objective of this project is to develop and evaluate an efficient technological solution that reduces the conductivity of the effluents generated in the company’s production processes. The effluent will be analyzed in depth to understand its composition and determine the substances responsible for the high conductivity. Subsequently, the different available water treatment technologies will be reviewed, with special attention to hollow fiber membrane contactors—a promising solution in this field.

Based on this analysis, the feasibility of applying catalytic nitrate reduction using functionalized membranes will be evaluated to eliminate dissolved compounds that contribute to the high conductivity. Finally, a technically and economically viable solution will be designed that can be implemented without affecting the company’s operational efficiency and that ensures long-term sustainability.

The Advanced Separation Processes (PAS) Group at the University of Cantabria, known for its experience in separation technologies, has developed an approach based on the use of functionalized hollow fiber membranes. These membranes enable the selective separation of ions, significantly reducing the effluent’s conductivity. They are also highly efficient at removing nitrates and heavy metals, consume less energy than other treatment methods, and are easy to integrate into existing industrial systems without substantial modifications.

The application of this innovative technology will bring numerous environmental benefits. Notably, it will improve the quality of discharged water by reducing the amount of dissolved pollutants. Additionally, optimizing water consumption is a key benefit, as efficient effluent treatment will allow for its potential reuse in internal processes, decreasing the need for mains water and promoting more sustainable water resource management.

This project marks an important step toward sustainability in the metallurgical industry, showing that collaboration between the industrial sector and academic research can generate innovative and effective solutions. The application of hollow fiber membranes, driven by the research of the PAS Group at the University of Cantabria, represents a cutting-edge technological strategy to reduce conductivity in industrial effluents. This approach allows companies to align with the principles of the circular economy and reinforce their commitment to environmental protection.