The importance of membranes to modern technologies

The paper points out that membranes play increasingly important role in different branches of human friendly technologies. Membrane processes are implemented in industry, in energetic and environmental protection, where the formerly used cleaning technologies are recently replaced by modern clean technologies. Effective separation of different components from industrial sewage or wastes makes it possible to recover raw materials or to recycle chemicals, cleaning agents, etc. This enables us to improve environment and to reduce total costs simultaneously. However, membranes are still used in cleaning technologies for wastewater treatment, remediation of contaminated soils, purification of ground waters, cleaning of industrial gases and sewage. Besides membranes are also used for the improvement of human health, e.g. artificial organs (kidney, lunch. pancreas and skin), pyrogens removal, blood processing and controlled release of medicines. Membranes are successfully used in the production of healthful and tasteful food. Agriculture uses membranes in hydroponics or for controlled release of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and pheromones. This way of delivery protects soils and ground waters against penetration of chemicals. This above-mentioned membrane applications are reviewed.