Mathematical modeling of enrichment of estrogens in water samples using reverse osmosis device

Abstract

Estrogens are present in the water environment in very low concentrations (below ng/L) requiring sample enrichment to increase its concentration prior to an analytical determination. Currently, solid-phase extraction is the most commonly used enrichment method, but reverse osmosis (RO) may provide a promising alternative. A novel experimental enrichment device employing the RO process using a flat-sheet membrane was developed for sample enrichment. In the current study, we aim to develop a mathematical model describing the RO enrichment process using the novel device. The mathematical model was created in MATLAB-Simulink software and validated with experimental results.