The paper reveals the results of the research on the reverse osmosis recovery of zinc from galvanic electroplating. The pilot plant tests were performed in an electroplating shop. Raw washings were concentrated with a spiral wound 2.5x40" module with a composite polymeric membrane.The research tests have proved that the proposed RO process enables successful concentration of the nonferrous metal in raw washings. The retentate of the RO process has contained about 96% of the metal previously wasted in washings discharged to the environment. The retentate can be recycled to the mother electroplating process. The permeate of the RO process can be recycled to the washing system of the electroplating shop.
In the last five decades, the variation for increase in population and decrease in available clean water is noticeable. To meet with growing water requirements, along with the wastewater from municipal sewage treatment plants, it is critical to consider the reuse of industrial wastewater wherever possible. In the Indian context, this has already been started in some of the big industries, especially in metro cities and it must be implemented at all level possible industries. Ultrafiltration (UF), reverse-osmosis (RO) and membrane bioreactors (MBR) will be integral parts of this. Waste water reuse is not only a necessity, it also provides several eco-friendly benefits.