Use of Polymeric and Ceramic Membranes for Dairy Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Dairy processing produces wastewater with high organic loads (proteins, lactose, fats), suspended solids, and variable composition linked to production activities. Membrane technology provides compact, high-quality treatment and is increasingly being considered for water reuse and resource recovery. Ceramic membranes made of oxides such as alumina, zirconia, and titania offer significant advantages over polymeric membranes: chemical and thermal robustness, mechanical strength, and tolerance to aggressive cleaning. This descriptive paper synthesizes the state of knowledge on the use of ceramic membranes on dairy wastewater, focusing on membrane types and configurations, fouling mechanisms, cleaning strategies, operational methods, and economic considerations. The paper outlines specific pilot or plant-scale configurations, performance metrics used in the literature, and practical recommendations for implementing ceramic-membrane-based systems in dairy plants. The goal is to present a clear, practical context that researchers and practitioners can use to design pilots, anticipate operational challenges, and evaluate lifecycle tradeoffs.