Abstract
The polyamide membrane systems exhibit rough surface marked by a network of deep grooves and crevices thus, an increased biofouling potential incorporated in it. Addressing this problem, new innovative strategies have been offered in order to determine the biofouling potential, monitoring the water quality, removal of fouling contaminants as well as cleaning the membrane. A monitoring program for biofouling has been established which includes general feed water quality data, the microorganisms activity information, the nutrient source concentrations and the operating parameters of the system. In determining biofouling potential the most common testing tools includes the determination of the feed water total direct cell count (TDC), heterotrophic plate count (HPC), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, an assimilable organic carbon (AOC) test and biofilm formation rate (BFR). Among the cleaners used for the removal of fouling contaminants, the alkaline cleaners generally provide the best results. These effective strategies helps eliminate membrane system biofouling.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 44-45+47-48 |
| Volume | 24 |
| No | 6 |
| Specialist publication | Ultrapure Water |
| State | Published - Sep 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Biofouling
- Fouling
- Membranes
- Microorganisms
- Ozone
- Reverse osmosis
- UV