Membrane and Desalination Technologies - Comprehensive Engineering

In this review of Membrane and Desalination Technologies, Volume 13 of the Handbook of Environmental Engineering, the bottom line is clear: this is a rigorous, reference-grade textbook best suited to advanced students and practicing engineers who need detailed analytical methods for water and wastewater treatment. The book compiles contributions from expert researchers and focuses on practical design and calculation, making it a strong choice for anyone seeking a technically thorough treatment of membrane processes and desalination rather than a general overview. Its greatest strength is the concentration on methods and numerical examples that support real-world system design.

Key Features

• Comprehensive technical coverage: Chapters provide in-depth discussion of membrane and desalination technologies suitable for graduate-level study and professional reference.
• Practical design methods: The volume emphasizes methods of practical design and calculation that engineers can apply directly to water and wastewater projects.
• Numerical examples: Worked numerical examples illustrate design steps and calculations, helping readers translate theory into practice.
• Expert contributors: A panel of researchers and practitioners provides authoritative perspectives grounded in current research and engineering practice.
• Series integration: As part of the Handbook of Environmental Engineering, this volume complements other titles focused on pollution in gas, solid, and liquid forms for integrated curriculum use.

Who It's For

This handbook is aimed primarily at advanced graduate and undergraduate students in chemical and environmental engineering, as well as researchers and practicing designers of water and wastewater treatment systems who need detailed, calculation-oriented material. It suits coursework and project-level reference where a high level of technical detail and worked examples are required.

Readers seeking a brief introduction, a policy overview, or a nontechnical popular treatment of desalination will want a different, more accessible text. Those needing step-by-step laboratory protocols or supplier-specific equipment guides should also look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Detailed, technical chapters that support advanced study and professional design work.
• Emphasis on practical design and calculation helps bridge theory and engineering application.
• Numerical examples clarify complex concepts and procedures for system design.
• Part of an established series, offering complementary volumes on other environmental topics.

Cons

• Not suitable for casual readers or those wanting a high-level introduction due to its advanced, technical focus.

Specifications

Title	Membrane and Desalination Technologies (Handbook of Environmental Engineering, 13)
Editor / Brand	Lawrence K. Wang
Series	Handbook of Environmental Engineering, Volume 13
Subject focus	Membrane processes and desalination for water and wastewater treatment
Audience	Advanced graduate and undergraduate students, researchers, designers
Content type	Textbook and comprehensive technical reference with numerical examples

Our Verdict

Membrane and Desalination Technologies is a well-constructed, technically dense volume that delivers practical methods and worked calculations for professionals and advanced students. For those involved in water treatment design or research, it represents good value as a reference; casual readers or beginners will find it more demanding than necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for undergraduate coursework?
Yes, it is appropriate for advanced undergraduate courses but is especially well suited to graduate-level classes and professional reference.

Does the book include practical design examples?
Yes, chapters emphasize practical design and include numerical examples to illustrate calculations.

Who authored the chapters?
The volume is compiled by Lawrence K. Wang with contributions from a panel of expert researchers in membrane and desalination technologies.