Mathematical evaluation of forward osmosis efficiency for methylene blue removal using a flat-sheet TFC membrane

Authors

  • Zainab Ali Ibrahim Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq / Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4557-9915
  • Ahmed Faiq Al-Alawy Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5016-7106
  • Abdullah Saleh Mohammed Khaled Hydrocarbon and Petrochemical Process Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungry 8200

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31699/IJCPE.2026.3.1

Keywords:

Forward osmosis; Concentration polarization; Sodium chloride; Mathematical Modeling; Osmotic pressure

Abstract

Forward osmosis (FO) has gained a lot of research interest due to its many possible uses in desalination and wastewater reuse. The FO is a cost-effective method because it relies on concentration differences at the membrane surfaces and does not require external hydraulic pressure. This work deals with the design and construction of a forward osmosis system containing a membrane cell in which the thin film composite (TFC) flat sheet membrane is fixed, to carry out practical experiments by using of NaCl as the draw solution (DS), and the methylene blue (MB) dye is used as the feed solution (FS), and then employing the resulting experimental data in building and verifying the mathematical model of the FO process. The concentration of NaCl is from 5 to 70 g/L, and the concentration of MB is 20 ppm with a feeding pressure of 2 bar. A solution diffusion model was developed to predict water flux theoretically and compared with experimental results using different DS concentrations. The effect of concentration polarization was also studied. The results showed that the flux increased from 3.65 to 9.52 LMH, and the osmotic pressure at the bulk of the membrane increased linearly from 4.01 to 56.16 bar when the DS concentration increased from 5 to 70 g/L. Also, the recovery of pure water increased with increased concentration of NaCl. The results showed that there was a good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results obtained from the mathematical model, where the correlation coefficient (R2) was 98.89%.

Received on 15/01/2026

Received in Revised Form on 12/08/2026

Accepted on 12/08/2026

Published on 30/09/2026

References

[1] M. Sakai, E. Negishi, and M. Matsukata, “Rejection of heavy metal ions in water by zeolite forward osmosis membrane,” Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 357, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.130163

[2] S. A. Hussein and M. J. Ahmed, “Batch and fixed-bed adsorption of phosphate and nitrate on char derived by the co-pyrolysis of waste tires and corn cobs,” International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, vol. 15, no.1, pp. 1-15, 2026, https://doi.org/10.61435/ijred.2026.61629

[3] S. Abbas and S. A. Hussien, “Equilibrium, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study of Aniline Adsorption over Prepared ZSM-5 Zeolite,” Iraqi Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 47–56, 2017, https://doi.org/10.31699/IJCPE.2017.1.4

[4] J. K. Sahoo, K. Monidipa, R. Juhi, K. Devendra, and H. and Sahoo, “Hexagonal strontium ferrite: cationic dye adsorption and antibacterial activity,” Separation Science and Technology, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 415–430, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2019.1577267

[5] M. Farhan Hanafi and N. Sapawe, “A review on the water problem associate with organic pollutants derived from phenol, methyl orange, and remazol brilliant blue dyes,” Materials Today: Proceedings, pp. A141–A150, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.01.258

[6] B. Isik, U. Volkan, and O. and Cankurtaran, “Effective biosorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using wild macrofungus (Lactarius piperatus),” Separation Science and Technology, vol. 57, no. 6, pp. 854–871, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2021.1956540

[7] E. Misran, W. Pratama, K. I. K. Napitupulu, M. D. Supardan, D. A. Iryani, and V. Pramananda, “Ultrasonic-assisted adsorption of methylene blue using shrimp shells as a low-cost adsorbent: Evaluation on the adsorption isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamics,” South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, vol. 52, pp. 111–126, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2025.01.011

[8] J. Bai, Y. He, J. Yang, and W. Qi, “Study on radiation-induced polyaniline-based cellulose gel and its adsorption of methylene blue,” Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 364, p. 132554, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.132554

[9] D. Rohilla, N. Kaur, A. Shanavas, and S. Chaudhary, “Microwave mediated synthesis of dopamine functionalized copper sulphide nanoparticles: An effective catalyst for visible light driven degradation of methlyene blue dye,” Chemosphere, vol. 277, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130202

[10] Hasan M. Agha, Ahmed Saud Abdulhameed, Ali H. Jawad, Shafiq Aazmi, Norrizah, Jaafar Sidik, Yannis De Luna, Lee D. Wilson, Zeid A. ALOthman, Sameer Algburi, “Enhancing cationic dye removal via biocomposite formation between chitosan and food grade algae: Optimization of algae loading and adsorption parameters,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 258, p. 128792, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128792

[11] Y. Fan, B. Hou, and D. Hu, “A bifunctional Zn(II) coordination polymer for fluorescence recognition towards hazardous matters and its high adsorption removal of dye pollutant,” Journal of Molecular Structure, vol. 1306, p. 137869, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2024.137869

[12] Q. Zhang, Y. Cheng, C. Liu, and C. Fang, “Electrochemical-driven removal of organic dyes by using bimetallic MOFs /waste cellulose acetate derived carbon foam as a freestanding electrode material,” Journal of Solid State Chemistry, vol. 330, p. 124489, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2023.124489

[13] Thong Siah, Henry Chee Yew Foo, Inn Shi Tan, Yin Fong Yeong, Man Kee Lam, Keat Teong Lee, Mee Kee Wong, “Surface charge-switchable polyacrylonitrile/cellulose acetate/soluble eggshell membrane protein (PAN/CA/SEP) mixed matrix membrane for methylene blue removal,” Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 370, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.133211

[14] S. A. Rashid and W. T. Mohammed, “Optimization and High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Degradation of Petroleum Refinery Wastewater using SiO₂/TiO₂ Nanocomposite under UV Irradiation,” Applied Science and Engineering Progress, 2026, https://doi.org/10.14416/j.asep.2026.04.011

[15] S. A. Rashid and W. T. Mohammed, “Effective Oxidation of Phenol Compound by Silica Oxide-Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst in a Well-Designed Photocatalysis Reactor,” Chemistry Africa, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-025-01375-0

[16] Y. Xu, Y. Zhu, Z. Chen, J. Zhu, and G. Chen, “A Comprehensive Review on Forward Osmosis Water Treatment: Recent Advances and Prospects of Membranes and Draw Solutes,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138215

[17] J. Wang and X. Liu, “Forward osmosis technology for water treatment: Recent advances and future perspectives,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 280, p. 124354, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124354

[18] Y. N. Wang, K. Goh, X. Li, L. Setiawan, and R. Wang, “Membranes and processes for forward osmosis-based desalination: Recent advances and future prospects,” Desalination, vol. 434, pp.81-99, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2017.10.028

[19] C. Schneider, A. Evangelio Oñoro, C. Hélix-Nielsen, and I. A. Fotidis, “Forward-osmosis anaerobic-membrane bioreactors for brewery wastewater remediation,” Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 257, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117786

[20] T. Alejo, M. Arruebo, V. Carcelen, V. M. Monsalvo, and V. Sebastian, “Advances in draw solutes for forward osmosis: Hybrid organic-inorganic nanoparticles and conventional solutes,” Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 309, pp. 738–752, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2016.10.079

[21] Q. Ge, M. Ling, and T. S. Chung, “Draw solutions for forward osmosis processes: Developments, challenges, and prospects for the future,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 442, pp. 225–237,2013, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2013.03.046

[22] R. L. McGinnis and M. Elimelech, “Energy requirements of ammonia–carbon dioxide forward osmosis desalination,” Desalination, vol. 207, no. 1, pp. 370–382, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2006.08.012

[23] D. Li and H. Wang, “Smart draw agents for emerging forward osmosis application,” Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 1, no. 45, pp. 14049–14060, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1039/c3ta12559a

[24] R. Alnaizy, A. Aidan, and M. Qasim, “Draw solute recovery by metathesis precipitation in forward osmosis desalination,” Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 51, no. 28, pp. 5516–5525, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2013.770238

[25] Z. A. Ibrahim and A. F. Al-Alawy, “Synthesis and characterization of dual functional potassium doped MWCNT composites (K@Fe3O4@MWCNT and TEG-K/MWCNT) as innovative osmotic agents for forward osmosis processes,” Journal of Molecular Liquids, vol. 437, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2025.128452

[26] C. H. Tan and H. Y. Ng, “Modified models to predict flux behavior in forward osmosis in consideration of external and internal concentration polarizations,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 324, no. 1–2, pp. 209–219,2008, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2008.07.020

[27] A. Yokozeki, “Osmotic pressures studied using a simple equation-of-state and its applications,” Applied Energy, vol. 83, no. 1, pp. 15–41, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2004.10.015

[28] A. K. Ibrahim and M. H. Salih, “Towards low-energy desalination: Performance analysis and design of single and two-stage reverse osmosis systems to minimize specific energy consumption,” Ecological Engineering and Environmental Technology, vol. 27, no. 6, pp. 201–214, 2026, https://doi.org/10.12912/27197050/221576

[29] P. Xiao and L. Liu, “A New Method for Quantitative Evaluation Concentration Polarization Under Different Conditions for the Forward Osmosis Process,” Membranes, vol. 15, no. 8, 2025, https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15080223

[30] K. S. Bowden, A. Achilli, and A. E. Childress, “Organic ionic salt draw solutions for osmotic membrane bioreactors,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 122, pp. 207–216, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.06.026

[31] T. Y. Cath, A. E. Childress, and M. Elimelech, “Forward osmosis: Principles, applications, and recent developments,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 281, issue 1-2, pp 70-87, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.05.048

[32] S. Subramani, R. C. Panda, and B. Panda, “Studies on performances of membrane, draw solute and modeling of forward osmosis process in desalination – a review,” Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 70, pp 46-63, 2017, https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2017.20480

[33] Sudesh Yadav, Ibrar Ibrar, Salam Bakly, Daoud Khanafer, Ali Altaee, V. C. Padmanaban, Akshaya Kumar Samal, and Alaa H. Hawari, “Organic fouling in forward osmosis: A comprehensive review,” Water, 2020, https://doi.org/10.3390/w12051505

[34] H. K. Mohammed, A. F. Al-Alawy, T. R. Abbas, A. I. Al-Mosawi, and M. H. Salih, “Mathematical modeling of osmotic membrane bioreactor process for oily wastewater treatment,” Water Science and Technology, vol. 90, no. 7, pp. 2234–2250, 2024, https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.318

[35] H. E. Almansouri, M. Edokali, and M. N. Abu Seman, “Flat sheet thin film composite forward osmosis membranes for water treatment and purification: A review on modification techniques and concepts,” Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 320, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100815

[36] S. Phuntsho, S. Hong, M. Elimelech, and H. K. Shon, “Osmotic equilibrium in the forward osmosis process: Modelling, experiments and implications for process performance,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 453, pp. 240–252, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2013.11.009

[37] A. F. Al-Alawy, “Forward and Reverse Osmosis Process for Recovery and Re-use of Water from Polluted Water by Phenol,” Journal of Engineering, vol. 17 No. 04, 2011, https://doi.org/10.31026/j.eng.2011.04.20

[38] S. Loeb, L. Titelman, E. Korngold, and J. Freiman, “Effect of porous support fabric on osmosis through a Loeb-Sourirajan type asymmetric membrane,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 129, no. 2, pp. 243–249, 1997, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-7388(96)00354-7

[39] J. Kim, B. Kim, D. Inhyuk Kim, and S. Hong, “Evaluation of apparent membrane performance parameters in pressure retarded osmosis processes under varying draw pressures and with draw solutions containing organics,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 493, pp. 636–644, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2015.07.035

[40] A. F. Al-Alalawy, T. R. Abbas, and H. K. Mohammed, “Comparative Study for Organic and Inorganic Draw Solutions in Forward Osmosis,” Al-Khwarizmi Engineering Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 94–102, 2017, https://doi.org/10.22153/kej.2017.08.007

[41] S. Ma, X. Wu, L. Fan, Q. Wang, Y. Hu, and Z. Xie, “Effect of Different Draw Solutions on Concentration Polarization in a Forward Osmosis Process: Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Validation,” Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, vol. 62, no. 8, pp. 3672–3683, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.2c03723

[42] Aondohemba Aende, Jabbar Gardy, Zabeada Aslam, Matthew Rogers, Mohamed Edokali, Oscar Cespedes, David Harbottle, Ali Hassanpour, “A novel highly osmotic K/Fe3O4/CNF magnetic draw solution for salty water desalination,” Desalination, vol. 538, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2022.115903

Downloads

Published

2026-09-30

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 3 (2026): Iraqi Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s). Published by College of Engineering, University of Baghdad.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Ibrahim, Z. A., Al-Alawy, A. F., & Mohammed Khaled, A. S. (2026). Mathematical evaluation of forward osmosis efficiency for methylene blue removal using a flat-sheet TFC membrane. Iraqi Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, 27(3), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.31699/IJCPE.2026.3.1

Most read articles by the same author(s)