Biofouling of Water Treatment Membranes: A Review of the Underlying Causes, Monitoring Techniques and Control Measures
Source : https://www.mdpi.com/journal/membranes
Author : Thang Nguyen, Felicity A. Roddick * and Linhua Fan
Biofouling is a critical issue in membrane water and wastewater treatment as it greatly compromises the efficiency of the treatment processes. It is difficult to control, and significant economic resources have been dedicated to the development of effective biofouling monitoring and control strategies. This paper highlights the underlying causes of membrane biofouling and provides a review on recent developments of potential monitoring and control methods in water and wastewater treatment with the aim of identifying the remaining issues and challenges in this area.
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Analysis of the Flux Performance of Different RO/NF Membranes in the Treatment of Agroindustrial Wastewater by Means of the Boundary Flux Theory
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Dynamic membrane system behaviour must be adequately addressed to avoid process unfeasibility. The lack of proper analysis will mean relying on erroneous permeate flux values in the system design, which will lead to quick and/or steady high fouling rates. In this paper, the authors present additional data supporting the boundary flux theory as a helpful tool for membrane engineers to carefully avoid process failures. By fitting the dynamic permeate flux data to the
boundary flux model, it was possible to calculate the β fouling index for the three selected membranes (one nanofiltration (NF) and two reverse osmosis (RO) ones). The dynamic flux given by the low-pressure RO membrane did not follow sub-boundary operating conditions, since a sharp flux loss was measured throughout the whole operating cycle, pinpointing that supra-boundary flux conditions were governing the system. This was supported by the calculated value of the β fouling parameter, which resulted to be in the order of ten times higher for this membrane. However, the values of β→0 for the SC-RO and DK-NF ones, supported by the very low value of the sub-boundary fouling parameter α (0.002 and 0.007 L·h −1·m−2 ·bar−2 , respectively), ensure nearly boundary operating conditions for these membranes.
Analysis of the Flux Performance of Different RO/NF Membranes in the Treatment of Agroindustrial Wastewater by Means of the Boundary Flux Theory
Abstract:
Dynamic membrane system behaviour must be adequately addressed to avoid process unfeasibility. The lack of proper analysis will mean relying on erroneous permeate flux values in the system design, which will lead to quick and/or steady high fouling rates. In this paper, the authors present additional data supporting the boundary flux theory as a helpful tool for membrane engineers to carefully avoid process failures. By fitting the dynamic permeate flux data to the
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Engineered Nanomaterials for Water Treatment and Remediation
Water is one of the world’s most abundant resources, but less than 1% of the global supply of water is available and safe for human consumption [1]. According to the World Health Organization, over 760 million people were without adequate drinking water supply in 2011 [2]. Where it is available, the cost of potable water is rising due to increasing energy costs, growing populations, and climatic or other environmental issues [1,3]. In addition, an increasing number of drinking water sources are showing evidence of contamination, especially by emerging pollutants like pharmaceuticals and personal care products [4,5]. Many traditional water and wastewater treatment methods do not effectively remove these emerging contaminants, and/or are not capable of removing enough to meet increasingly stringent water quality standards [5,6]. Contamination of surface waters also constitutes a risk to water supplies because pollutants may penetrate into aquifers, where they can be transported to drinking water sources.
Engineered Nanomaterials for Water Treatment and Remediation
Water is one of the world’s most abundant resources, but less than 1% of the global supply of water is available and safe for human consumption [1]. According to the World Health Organization, over 760 million people were without adequate drinking water supply in 2011 [2]. Where it is available, the cost of potable water is rising due to increasing energy costs, growing populations, and climatic or other environmental issues [1,3]. In addition, an increasing number of drinking water sources are showing evidence of contamination, especially by emerging pollutants like pharmaceuticals and personal care products [4,5]. Many traditional water and wastewater treatment methods do not effectively remove these emerging contaminants, and/or are not capable of removing enough to meet increasingly stringent water quality standards [5,6]. Contamination of surface waters also constitutes a risk to water supplies because pollutants may penetrate into aquifers, where they can be transported to drinking water sources.
Overview Of The Main Disinfection Processes For Wastewater And Drinking water Treatment Plants
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Overview Of The Main Disinfection Processes For Wastewater And Drinking water Treatment Plants
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Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions onto Rice Husk Ash Low Cost Adsorbent
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Water Desalination Using Solar Thermal Collectors Enhanced by Nanofluids
Introduction
In the future, the world is confronted with energy and freshwater shortage. Desalination of brackish or seawater is one of the most important ways to solve the water scarcity issue [1, 2]. The use of solar energy or waste heat sources is acceptable for water-producing systems of such a small size [3–5]. The relevancy of nanomaterials is to realize the best attainable properties within the smallest possible loadings through homogenized distribution and stable suspension of these nanoparticles[6–11]. Often, heat transfer improvement in solar collectors is one of the basic problems in energy saving, compact designs, and different operating temperatures. Researchers also investigated the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and water nanofluids with a pH of 3.5, 6.5, and 9.5, and Triton X-100 as a surfactant (0.2 wt %) using flat-plate solar collectors. It was found that the nanofluids have better heat transfer performance in acidic and alkaline water due to the influence of the isoelectric point. The higher efficiency (67 %) was obtained at pH 9.5 and 3.5 with a water flow rate of 0.0333 kg s–1. A stable nanofluid based on ethylene glycol-containing nanosheets of graphene oxide was prepared by Yu et al. [12]. The improvement in thermal conductivity relies strongly on the volume fraction of the nanosheet of graphene oxide and increases with higher nanoparticle loading. The heat efficiency was enhanced up to 61.0 % using a nanosheet loading of 5.0 vol %. For seven days, the thermal conductivity of the fluids remained almost constant, which suggests their high stability. In the measured temperature range, the enhancement value was independent of the temperature. Peyghambarzadeh et al. [13, 14] studied force convection techniques in an excessively base water nanofluid, which was experimentally compared to water in a vehicle heat exchanger with different nanofluid loadings. It was experimentally investigated to improve the rate of heat transfer. The variable effect of the inlet temperature of the fluid in the heat exchanger on the heat transfer coefficient was evaluated. The findings showed that the incremental fluid circulation rate would increase the output rate of heat transfer, while the temperature of the fluid entering the heat exchanger had negligible effects. Meanwhile, water nanofluid subservience at low-volume loadings would increase the heat transfer rate efficiency by approximately 44 % compared to water
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Introduction
In the future, the world is confronted with energy and freshwater shortage. Desalination of brackish or seawater is one of the most important ways to solve the water scarcity issue [1, 2]. The use of solar energy or waste heat sources is acceptable for water-producing systems of such a small size [3–5]. The relevancy of nanomaterials is to realize the best attainable properties within the smallest possible loadings through homogenized distribution and stable suspension of these nanoparticles[6–11]. Often, heat transfer improvement in solar collectors is one of the basic problems in energy saving, compact designs, and different operating temperatures. Researchers also investigated the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and water nanofluids with a pH of 3.5, 6.5, and 9.5, and Triton X-100 as a surfactant (0.2 wt %) using flat-plate solar collectors. It was found that the nanofluids have better heat transfer performance in acidic and alkaline water due to the influence of the isoelectric point. The higher efficiency (67 %) was obtained at pH 9.5 and 3.5 with a water flow rate of 0.0333 kg s–1. A stable nanofluid based on ethylene glycol-containing nanosheets of graphene oxide was prepared by Yu et al. [12]. The improvement in thermal conductivity relies strongly on the volume fraction of the nanosheet of graphene oxide and increases with higher nanoparticle loading. The heat efficiency was enhanced up to 61.0 % using a nanosheet loading of 5.0 vol %. For seven days, the thermal conductivity of the fluids remained almost constant, which suggests their high stability. In the measured temperature range, the enhancement value was independent of the temperature. Peyghambarzadeh et al. [13, 14] studied force convection techniques in an excessively base water nanofluid, which was experimentally compared to water in a vehicle heat exchanger with different nanofluid loadings. It was experimentally investigated to improve the rate of heat transfer. The variable effect of the inlet temperature of the fluid in the heat exchanger on the heat transfer coefficient was evaluated. The findings showed that the incremental fluid circulation rate would increase the output rate of heat transfer, while the temperature of the fluid entering the heat exchanger had negligible effects. Meanwhile, water nanofluid subservience at low-volume loadings would increase the heat transfer rate efficiency by approximately 44 % compared to water
Cleaning Methods for Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes Affected by Organic Fouling
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The use of ceramic membranes in the treatment and processing of various liquids, including those of organic origin, has increased tremendously at the industrial level. Apart from the selection of the most appropriate membrane materials and operational conditions, suitable membrane cleaning procedures are a must to minimize fouling and increase membrane lifespan. The review summarizes currently available and practiced non-reagent and cleaning-in-place methods for ceramic membranes that are used in the treatment of organic liquids, thus causing organic fouling. Backflushing, backwashing, and ultrasound represent the most often used physical methods for reversible fouling treatment. At the same time, the use of alkalis, e.g, sodium hydroxide, acids, or strong oxidants is recommended for cleaning of irreversible fouling treatment.
Cleaning Methods for Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes Affected by Organic Fouling
Abstract:
The use of ceramic membranes in the treatment and processing of various liquids, including those of organic origin, has increased tremendously at the industrial level. Apart from the selection of the most appropriate membrane materials and operational conditions, suitable membrane cleaning procedures are a must to minimize fouling and increase membrane lifespan. The review summarizes currently available and practiced non-reagent and cleaning-in-place methods for ceramic membranes that are used in the treatment of organic liquids, thus causing organic fouling. Backflushing, backwashing, and ultrasound represent the most often used physical methods for reversible fouling treatment. At the same time, the use of alkalis, e.g, sodium hydroxide, acids, or strong oxidants is recommended for cleaning of irreversible fouling treatment.
Artificial Neural Network Model for the Prediction of Groundwater Quality
The present article delves into the examination of groundwater quality, based on WQI, for drinking purposes in Baghdad City. Further, for carrying out the investigation, the data was collected from the Ministry of Water Resources of Baghdad, which represents water samples drawn from 114 wells in Al-Karkh and Al-Rusafa sides of Baghdad city. With the aim of further determining WQI, four water parameters such as (i) pH, (ii) Chloride (Cl), (iii) Sulfate (SO4), and (iv) Total dissolved solids (TDS), were taken into consideration. Additionally, to anticipate changes in groundwater WQI, IBM® SPSS® Statistics 19 software (SPSS) was used to develop an artificial neural network model (ANNM). With the application of this ANNM model, the results obtained illustrated high prediction efficiency, as the sum of squares error functions (for training and testing samples) and coefficient of determination (R2), were found to be (0.038 and 0.005) and 0.973, respectively.
Artificial Neural Network Model for the Prediction of Groundwater Quality
The present article delves into the examination of groundwater quality, based on WQI, for drinking purposes in Baghdad City. Further, for carrying out the investigation, the data was collected from the Ministry of Water Resources of Baghdad, which represents water samples drawn from 114 wells in Al-Karkh and Al-Rusafa sides of Baghdad city. With the aim of further determining WQI, four water parameters such as (i) pH, (ii) Chloride (Cl), (iii) Sulfate (SO4), and (iv) Total dissolved solids (TDS), were taken into consideration. Additionally, to anticipate changes in groundwater WQI, IBM® SPSS® Statistics 19 software (SPSS) was used to develop an artificial neural network model (ANNM). With the application of this ANNM model, the results obtained illustrated high prediction efficiency, as the sum of squares error functions (for training and testing samples) and coefficient of determination (R2), were found to be (0.038 and 0.005) and 0.973, respectively.
Comparison of Wastewater Treatment Using Activated Carbon from Bamboo and Oil Palm
Abstract
Developing country causes growth of industries sectors. Despite that industrial sectors releases massive amount of waste water into the environment. At the same time, the increasing number of vehicles in Malaysia promotes the development of automobile workshop that produces huge amount of wastewater as well. Wastewater contains high level of suspended total solids and leave untreated. For instance oil, grease, dyestuff, chromium, phosphate in washing products and colouring, as well as heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, barium and others potential metals. All these hazardous wastes directly pollute the environment especially the groundwater and harm the ecosystem. In order to minimize and reduce the impact to the environment, the wastewater needed to be treated using technology such as permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Activated carbon is one of the PRB utilised. It is a compromised material for treatment of wastewater where there are varieties of sources to produce activated carbon. Malaysia as an active agricultural country, massive amount of agriculture wastes can be turned into activated carbon. They are two methods used to produce activated carbon, namely furnace heat processing and microwave processing. The usage of furnace and microwave instruments can produce different quality of activated carbon due to different mechanism involves. Furnace heat processing transferred the heat from external to the internal but microwave processing is vice versa. In this article, a brief overview of activated carbon usage for wastewater treatment is highlighted.
Comparison of Wastewater Treatment Using Activated Carbon from Bamboo and Oil Palm
Abstract
Developing country causes growth of industries sectors. Despite that industrial sectors releases massive amount of waste water into the environment. At the same time, the increasing number of vehicles in Malaysia promotes the development of automobile workshop that produces huge amount of wastewater as well. Wastewater contains high level of suspended total solids and leave untreated. For instance oil, grease, dyestuff, chromium, phosphate in washing products and colouring, as well as heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, barium and others potential metals. All these hazardous wastes directly pollute the environment especially the groundwater and harm the ecosystem. In order to minimize and reduce the impact to the environment, the wastewater needed to be treated using technology such as permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Activated carbon is one of the PRB utilised. It is a compromised material for treatment of wastewater where there are varieties of sources to produce activated carbon. Malaysia as an active agricultural country, massive amount of agriculture wastes can be turned into activated carbon. They are two methods used to produce activated carbon, namely furnace heat processing and microwave processing. The usage of furnace and microwave instruments can produce different quality of activated carbon due to different mechanism involves. Furnace heat processing transferred the heat from external to the internal but microwave processing is vice versa. In this article, a brief overview of activated carbon usage for wastewater treatment is highlighted.
Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Multi-Metal Aqueous Solution by Sunflower Plant Biomass-Based Carbons
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This study reports the competitive adsorption
of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) onto sunflower waste biomass
carbons, viz. sunflower head carbon and sunflower stem
carbon from multi-metal aqueous solution.
Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Multi-Metal Aqueous Solution by Sunflower Plant Biomass-Based Carbons
Abstract
This study reports the competitive adsorption
of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) onto sunflower waste biomass
carbons, viz. sunflower head carbon and sunflower stem
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A Pilot Study of an Electromagnetic Field for Control of Reverse Osmosis Membrane Fouling and Scaling During Brackish Groundwater Desalination
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of an electromagnetic field (EMF) on control of membrane
fouling and scaling during desalination of brackish groundwater using a pilot reverse osmosis (RO)
skid. The groundwater was primarily CaSO4 type with a total dissolved solids concentration of
5850 mg/L and hardness of 2500 mg/L as CaCO3. Two EMF devices were installed in the pipeline
before a cartridge filter and in the RO feed inlet to induce an electric signal of ±150 kHz to the
groundwater. The effects of EMF on membrane scaling were evaluated under accelerated conditions,
i.e., without pH adjustment and addition of antiscalant. Two-phase experiments were conducted:
Phase 1 (376 h) with the EMF devices turned on after 150 h baseline operation; and Phase 2 (753 h)
with the EMF devices turned on from the beginning of testing. The EMF significantly reduced
membrane scaling and improved RO performance by 38.3% and 14.3% in terms of normalized water
permeability decline rate after 150 h and 370 h operation, respectively. Membrane autopsy results
indicated that the fouling layer formed under the influence of EMF was loose with a low density and
was easily removed by hydraulic flushing
A Pilot Study of an Electromagnetic Field for Control of Reverse Osmosis Membrane Fouling and Scaling During Brackish Groundwater Desalination
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of an electromagnetic field (EMF) on control of membrane
fouling and scaling during desalination of brackish groundwater using a pilot reverse osmosis (RO)
skid. The groundwater was primarily CaSO4 type with a total dissolved solids concentration of
5850 mg/L and hardness of 2500 mg/L as CaCO3. Two EMF devices were installed in the pipeline
before a cartridge filter and in the RO feed inlet to induce an electric signal of ±150 kHz to the
groundwater. The effects of EMF on membrane scaling were evaluated under accelerated conditions,
i.e., without pH adjustment and addition of antiscalant. Two-phase experiments were conducted:
Phase 1 (376 h) with the EMF devices turned on after 150 h baseline operation; and Phase 2 (753 h)
with the EMF devices turned on from the beginning of testing. The EMF significantly reduced
membrane scaling and improved RO performance by 38.3% and 14.3% in terms of normalized water
permeability decline rate after 150 h and 370 h operation, respectively. Membrane autopsy results
indicated that the fouling layer formed under the influence of EMF was loose with a low density and
was easily removed by hydraulic flushing
Emerging desalination technologies for water treatment: A critical review
Abstract:
In this paper, a review of emerging desalination technologies is presented. Several technologies for desalination of municipal and industrial wastewater have been proposed and evaluated, but only certain technologies have been commercialized or are close to commercialization. This review consists of membrane-based, thermal-based and alternative technologies. Membranes based on incorporation of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes or graphene-based ones show promise as innovative desalination technologies with superior performance in terms of water permeability and salt rejection. However, only nanocomposite membranes have been commercialized while others are still under fundamental developmental stages. Among the thermal-based technologies, membrane
distillation and adsorption desalination show the most promise for enhanced performance with the availability of a waste heat source. Several alternative technologies have also been developed recently; those based on capacitive deionization have shown considerable improvements in their salt removal capacity and feed water recovery. In the same category, microbial desalination cells have been shown to desalinate high salinity water without any external energy source, but to date, scale up of the process has not been methodically evaluated. In this paper, advantages and drawbacks of each technology is discussed along with a comparison of performance, water quality and energy consumption.
Emerging desalination technologies for water treatment: A critical review
Abstract:
In this paper, a review of emerging desalination technologies is presented. Several technologies for desalination of municipal and industrial wastewater have been proposed and evaluated, but only certain technologies have been commercialized or are close to commercialization. This review consists of membrane-based, thermal-based and alternative technologies. Membranes based on incorporation of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes or graphene-based ones show promise as innovative desalination technologies with superior performance in terms of water permeability and salt rejection. However, only nanocomposite membranes have been commercialized while others are still under fundamental developmental stages. Among the thermal-based technologies, membrane
distillation and adsorption desalination show the most promise for enhanced performance with the availability of a waste heat source. Several alternative technologies have also been developed recently; those based on capacitive deionization have shown considerable improvements in their salt removal capacity and feed water recovery. In the same category, microbial desalination cells have been shown to desalinate high salinity water without any external energy source, but to date, scale up of the process has not been methodically evaluated. In this paper, advantages and drawbacks of each technology is discussed along with a comparison of performance, water quality and energy consumption.
Nanotechnology in Water Treatment
ABSTRACT Drinking water is unfortunately becoming a rare luxury on our planet.On the other hand, with a trend of population growth, need for water which is essential to life,is becomingbigger every day.Practical application of nanotechnology in saving water worldwide is in using nanoparticles in detection of water pollution and water purification. This knowledge has importance in medicine and public health, so as in environment safety.Possible application areas of nanotechnology in field of purification and treatment of water are in filtration, catalytic and separation processes, ion exchanging, sensitive pollutant detection,etc.Nanotechnology could be the main solution in future fortreatment of surface water,groundwater, and waste water contaminated by toxic metal ions, organic and inorganic solutes, and microorganisms.
Nanotechnology in Water Treatment
ABSTRACT Drinking water is unfortunately becoming a rare luxury on our planet.On the other hand, with a trend of population growth, need for water which is essential to life,is becomingbigger every day.Practical application of nanotechnology in saving water worldwide is in using nanoparticles in detection of water pollution and water purification. This knowledge has importance in medicine and public health, so as in environment safety.Possible application areas of nanotechnology in field of purification and treatment of water are in filtration, catalytic and separation processes, ion exchanging, sensitive pollutant detection,etc.Nanotechnology could be the main solution in future fortreatment of surface water,groundwater, and waste water contaminated by toxic metal ions, organic and inorganic solutes, and microorganisms.
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