Abstract: As a novel method of separation，micellar enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) is applicable to purifying wastewater，especially in dealing with the effluents containing low levels of metal ions. The main factors of MEUF are introduced in detail by summarizing prior research，and the limitation and the direction of optimizing the process are also discussed. The recent development of MEUF as well as the research on surfactants recovery is also introduced.