Full Description

Membrane filtration is receiving increased attention for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM), particularly with tighter control of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) as proposed in the Disinfectant/Disinfection Byproduct Rule. Although membrane filtration is not yet a widely accepted treatment technology, recent cost estimates suggest that it may be competitive with conventional treatment for plants with capacities less than 200,000 m3/d (about 5 mgd). This competitive analysis may indeed shift more in favor of membrane processes if simple modifications to conventional treatment (e.g., enhanced coagulation) are not sufficient to meet new DBP limits. However, optimization of membrane technology requires still greater understanding of separation science, especially the concepts that explain rejection of NOM and fouling by NOM. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of NOM hydrophobicity on the performance of a nanofiltration membrane in bench-scale experiments. Hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and unfractionated NOM solutions were used as membrane feed solutions. Performance was measured by the rejection of total organic carbon (TOC) and permeate flux over time of filtration, and by the extent of NOM association with the membrane which was determined at the end of each test.

Product Details

Published: 01/01/1995 ISBN(s): 0898678331 Number of Pages: 21 File Size: 1 file , 890 KB