Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for purifying contaminated aqueous solutions. The methods comprise subjecting the contaminated aqueous solution to a first pretreatment comprising coagulation or precipitative softening; a second pretreatment comprising adsorptive filtration; and a membrane distillation, in that order, to form a purified aqueous solution. The systems comprise a first pretreatment component fluidly connected to a second pretreatment component fluidly connected to a membrane distillation component, in that order, wherein the systems are configured to perform the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A vehicle road wheel construction adaptable to provide a spoke or lace decorative appearance. The construction finds special application with cast metal wheels in which a first group of spokes or ribs are formed in the disc or spider portion of the wheel interlace with a second group of ribs or finger elements. This second group is part of an integral, one piece, cast metal cover which is detachably connected to the wheel.