Self-forming dynamic membrane filtration for drinking water treatment

Abstract

Lab-scale continuous operation of self forming MF and UF dynamic membranes were investigated simultaneously by applying iron oxide as an alternative treatment option in those waters having natural organic matter (NOM), iron and manganese. Both dynamic membranes gave high removal rates and effluent concentrations of pollutants were below the limit values in synthetic water. 60–62% of DOC and 75–78% of UV254 were removed in low DOC synthetic water (LS) by MF and UF dynamic membranes, respectively. Although only 42–49% of DOC and 48–53% of UV254 could be removed by MF and UF dynamic membranes, remarkable effect on fouling alleviation was observed in high DOC synthetic water (HS). Iron oxide did not enhance the removal of organic matter in low DOC natural water (LN) as much as it did in synthetic water. Iron oxide led to the removal of high molecular weight organics, thus reversible fouling reduced almost 2 orders of magnitude through both types of dynamic membranes in high DOC natural water (HN). Reversible and ireversibe resistances were reduced by iron oxide to some extent in LN. Nevertheless the effect of iron oxide on fouling alleviation was much higher in HN than LN.