The main problem wflh treating mixed concentrates is the mixed nature of the brines containing both high levels of salts and organic matter. The high salt content limits inexpensive biological treatment options to reduce organic matter while the abundant presence of organic matter limits the use of conventional desalting

technologies. It Is therefore clear that a reduction in concentrate load should start with the separation of salts from organic matter. Both resulting fractions can then be subsequently treated using existing technology, such

as e.g. fermentation for the organic fraction and crystallization and reuse for the salts (e.g. as road salt. depending on the nature of the salts present). Among the different existing ion separation technologies. the capacitive process is found to be the most economically viable for lower salt concentrations and for water with

low organic content. The use of capacitive technology for the separation of salts from concentrated mixed brines however requires a development trajectory including design and optimization of a new and suitable reactor

concept. This PhD topic will be addressed in the framework of a VITO doctoral research grant and should result in an economically viable concept for capacitive separation of salts from mixed concentrates.