1
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Epstein JA, Ramon GZ. In-situ measurement of the internal compaction of a soft material caused by permeation flow. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 673:883-892. [PMID: 38908287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS The compaction of hydrogel films under permeation flow can be measured, in-situ, by tracking the internal displacements of their structure, thereby revealing the internal deformation profile. Additionally, monitoring the permeation flow rate and applied pressure over time enables determination of variations in the hydrogel's permeability due to flow-induced compaction. Hydrogels are soft porous materials capable of containing high amounts of water within their polymeric matrix. Flow-induced internal deformation can modify the hydrogel's permeability and selectivity, which are important attributes in separation processes, both industrial (e.g., membrane-based water purification) and natural (mucous filters in suspension feeders and intestinal lining) systems. Measuring the flow-induced compaction in thin hydrogels films can reveal the interplay between flow and permeability. However, the micro-scale internal compaction remains uncharted for due to experimental challenges. EXPERIMENTS A technique is demonstrated for analyzing the compaction and stratification of permeable soft materials, in-situ, created by a pressure-driven permeation flow. To this end, the internal deformations within a soft material layer are calculated, based on tracking the positions of fluorescent micro-tracers that are embedded within the soft material. We showcase the capabilities of this technique by examining a hundred-micron-thick calcium-alginate cake deposited on a nanofiltration membrane, emphasizing the achieved micro-scale resolution of the local compaction measurements. FINDINGS The results highlight the possibility to examine thin hydrogel films and their internal deformation produced by flow-induced stresses when varying the flow conditions. The method enables the simultaneous calculation of the soft material's permeance, as the pressure-driven flow conditions are continuously monitored. In summary, the proposed method provides a powerful tool for characterizing the behaviour of permeable soft materials under permeation conditions, with potential applications in engineering, biophysics and material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Epstein
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Guy Z Ramon
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel; Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
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2
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Liang S, Fu K, Li X, Wang Z. Unveiling the spatiotemporal dynamics of membrane fouling: A focused review on dynamic fouling characterization techniques and future perspectives. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 328:103179. [PMID: 38754212 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Membrane technology has emerged as a crucial method for obtaining clean water from unconventional sources in the face of water scarcity. It finds wide applications in wastewater treatment, advanced treatment, and desalination of seawater and brackish water. However, membrane fouling poses a huge challenge that limits the development of membrane-based water treatment technologies. Characterizing the dynamics of membrane fouling is crucial for understanding its development, mechanisms, and effective mitigation. Instrumental techniques that enable in situ or real-time characterization of the dynamics of membrane fouling provide insights into the temporal and spatial evolution of fouling, which play a crucial role in understanding the fouling mechanism and the formulation of membrane control strategies. This review consolidates existing knowledge about the principal advanced instrumental analysis technologies employed to characterize the dynamics of membrane fouling, in terms of membrane structure, morphology, and intermolecular forces. Working principles, applications, and limitations of each technique are discussed, enabling researchers to select appropriate methods for their specific studies. Furthermore, prospects for the future development of dynamic characterization techniques for membrane fouling are discussed, underscoring the need for continued research and innovation in this field to overcome the challenges posed by membrane fouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Liang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Kunkun Fu
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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3
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Ranieri L, Esposito R, Nunes SP, Vrouwenvelder JS, Fortunato L. Biofilm rigidity, mechanics and composition in seawater desalination pretreatment employing ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 253:121282. [PMID: 38341976 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
The choice of appropriate biofilm control strategies in membrane systems for seawater desalination pretreatment relies on understanding the properties of the biofilm formed on the membrane. This study reveals how the biofilm composition, including both organic and inorganic, influenced the biofilm behavior under mechanical loading. The investigation was conducted on two Gravity-Driven Membrane reactors employing Microfiltration (MF) and Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane for the pretreatment of raw seawater. After a stabilization period of 20 days (Phase I), a biofilm behavior test was introduced (Phase II) to evaluate (i) biofilm deformation during the absence of permeation (i.e., relaxation) and (ii) biofilm resistance to detachment forces (i.e., air scouring). The in-situ monitoring investigation using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) revealed that the biofilms developed on MF and UF membrane presented a rigid structure in absence of filtration forces, limiting the application of relaxation and biofilm expansion necessary for cleaning. Moreover, under shear stress conditions, a higher reduction in biofilm thickness was observed for MF (-60%, from 84 to 34 µm) compared to UF (-30%, from 64 to 45 µm), leading to an increase of permeate flux (+60%, from 9.1 to 14.9 L/m2/h and +20 % from 7.8 to 9.5 L/m2/h, respectively). The rheometric analysis indicated that the biofilm developed on MF membrane had weaker mechanical strength, displaying lower storage modulus (-50 %) and lower loss modulus (-55 %) compared to UF. These differences in mechanical properties were linked to the lower concentration of polyvalent ions and the distribution of organic foulants (i.e., BB, LMW-N) found in the biofilm on the MF membrane. Moreover, in the presence of air scouring led to a slight difference in microbial community between UF and MF. Our findings provide valuable insight for future investigations aimed at engineer biofilm composition to optimize biofilm control strategies in membrane systems for seawater desalination pretreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Ranieri
- Environmental Science & Engineering Program (EnSE), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rebecca Esposito
- Environmental Science & Engineering Program (EnSE), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials (AMPM) Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzana P Nunes
- Environmental Science & Engineering Program (EnSE), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Chemistry Program and Chemical Engineering Program, Physical Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900 Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials (AMPM) Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Environmental Science & Engineering Program (EnSE), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luca Fortunato
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions S.p.A., Italy.
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4
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Influence of powdered activated carbon on gravity-driven ultrafiltration for decentralized drinking water treatment: Insights from microbial community and biofilm structure. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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5
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Wei H, Liu C, Wang Y, Tao Y, Lv W, Liu Q. Transformation trend of nitrogen and phosphorus in the sediment of the sewage pipeline and their distribution along the pipeline. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159413. [PMID: 36244476 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms transform nitrogen and phosphorus in the sediment of sewage pipelines. When the sediment was scoured by water flow, these elements migrate. This work studied the changes in biofilm morphology and microbial community structure, and focused on the differences in the transformation of nitrogen and phosphorus along the pipeline. The results showed that the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations varied systematically with time and space (the front, middle, and posterior segments of the pipe). With time, amino acid nitrogen (AAN) concentration in the sediment gradually decreased, NH4+-N concentration slowly increased, NO3--N concentration began to increase after 25 days, and TP concentration continued to increase after 9 days. The AAN, NH4+-N, and TP concentrations were highest in the posterior segment of the pipe and lowest in the front segment. However, NO3--N showed two stages: its concentration was highest in the front segment and lowest in the posterior segment during the first 17 days, after which the opposite was observed. Changes in the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were related to the microbial communities in the sediments. The abundances of Rhodobacter (0.001 <p ≤ 0.01), Trichococcus (p ≤ 0.001), Nakamurella (0.01 <p ≤ 0.05), and norank_f__norank_o__PeM15 (0.001 <p ≤ 0.01) in the terminal sediments were significantly higher than those in the initial sediments. Meanwhile, the abundances of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Rhodobacter, norank_f__norank_o__PeM15, and Brevundimonas were different in the front, middle, and posterior segments. Furthermore, nitrogen and phosphorus were easily adsorbed on the small particles and were scoured and re-deposited on the posterior segment of the pipe, resulting in enrichment. The temporal variation in nitrogen and phosphorus and its spatial distribution along the pipeline were due to the combination of biotransformation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Wei
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Cuiyun Liu
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Industrial Water-Conservation & Emission Reduction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Yiyang Wang
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Yang Tao
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Wenke Lv
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Qi Liu
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
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6
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Stoffel D, Derlon N, Traber J, Staaks C, Heijnen M, Morgenroth E, Jacquin C. Gravity-driven membrane filtration with compact second-life modules daily backwashed: An alternative to conventional ultrafiltration for centralized facilities. WATER RESEARCH X 2023; 18:100178. [PMID: 37250288 PMCID: PMC10214304 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration is a strategic alternative to conventional ultrafiltration (UF) for the resilient production of drinking water via ultrafiltration when resources become scarce, given the low dependency on energy and chemicals, and longer membrane lifetime. Implementation at large scale requires the use of compact and low-cost membrane modules with high biopolymer removal capacity. We therefore evaluated (1) to what extent stable flux can be obtained with compact membrane modules, i.e., inside-out hollow fiber membranes, and frequent gravity-driven backwash, (2) whether we can reduce membrane expenses by effectively utilizing second-life UF modules, i.e., modules that have been discarded by treatment plant operators because they are no longer under warranty, (3) if biopolymer removal could be maintained when applying a frequent backwash and with second-life modules and (4) which GDM filtration scenarios are economically viable compared to conventional UF, when considering the influence of new or second-life modules, membrane lifetime, stable flux value and energy pricing. Our findings showed that it was possible to maintain stable fluxes around 10 L/m2/h with both new and second-life modules for 142 days, but a daily gravity-driven backwash was necessary and sufficient to compensate the continuous flux drop observed with compact modules. In addition, the backwash did not affect the biopolymer removal. Costs calculations revealed two significant findings: (1) using second-life modules made GDM filtration membrane investment less expensive than conventional UF, despite the higher module requirements for GDM filtration and (2) overall costs of GDM filtration with a gravity-driven backwash were unaffected by energy prices rise, while conventional UF costs rose significantly. The later increased the number of economically viable GDM filtration scenarios, including scenarios with new modules. In summary, we proposed an approach that could make GDM filtration in centralized facilities feasible and increase the range of UF operating conditions to better adapt to increasing environmental and societal constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Stoffel
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Traber
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Céline Jacquin
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
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7
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Ranieri L, Vrouwenvelder JS, Fortunato L. Periodic fouling control strategies in gravity-driven membrane bioreactors (GD-MBRs): Impact on treatment performance and membrane fouling properties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156340. [PMID: 35654208 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the effects of periodic membrane fouling control strategies in Gravity-Driven Membrane Bioreactor (GD-MBR) treating primary wastewater. The impact of each control strategy on the reactor performance (permeate flux and water quality), biomass morphology, and fouling composition were evaluated. The application of air scouring coupled with intermittent filtration resulted in the highest permeate flux (4 LMH) compared to only intermittent filtration (i.e., relaxation) (1 LMH) and air scouring under continuous filtration (2.5 LMH). Air scouring coupled with relaxation led to a thin (~50 μm) but with more porous fouling layer and low hydraulic resistance, presenting the lowest concentration of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in the biomass. Air scouring under continuous filtration led to a thin (~50 μm), dense, compact, and less porous fouling layer with the highest specific hydraulic resistance. The employment of only relaxation led to the highest fouling formation (~280 μm) on the membrane surface. The highest TN removal (~62%) was achieved in the reactor with only relaxation (no aeration) due to the anoxic condition in the filtration tank, while the highest COD removal (~ 60%) was achieved with air scouring under continuous filtration due to the longer aeration time and the denser fouling layer. The results highlighted the importance of performing in-depth fouling characterization to link the membrane fouling properties to the hydraulic resistance and membrane bioreactor performances (i.e., water quality and water production). Moreover, this work proven the versatility of the GD-MBR, where the choice of the appropriate operation and fouling control strategy relies on the eventual discharge or reuse of the treated effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Ranieri
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering Division (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering Division (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luca Fortunato
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering Division (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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8
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Chen M, Nan J, Xu Y, Yao J, Wang H, Zu X. Effect of microplastics on the physical structure of cake layer for pre-coagulated gravity-driven membrane filtration. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.120632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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9
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Stoffel D, Rigo E, Derlon N, Staaks C, Heijnen M, Morgenroth E, Jacquin C. Low maintenance gravity-driven membrane filtration using hollow fibers: Effect of reducing space for biofilm growth and control strategies on permeate flux. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152307. [PMID: 34914997 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of centralized drinking water treatment systems necessitates lower operational costs and improved biopolymer removal during ultrafiltration (UF), which can be afforded by gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration. However, prior to implementing GDM filtration in centralized systems, biofilm growth in compacted membrane configurations, such as inside-out hollow fiber (HF), and its impact on permeate flux need to be investigated. To this end, we operated modules with distinct limits on available space for biofilm growth: (1) outside-in 1.5 mm 7-capillary HF (non-limited), (2) inside-out 1.5 mm 7-capillary HF (limited), and (3) inside-out 0.9 mm 7-capillary HF (very limited). Here, we observed that the lower the space available for biofilm growth, the lower the permeate flux. To improve GDM performance with inside-out HF, we applied daily shear stress to the biofilm surface with forward flush (FF) or combined relaxation and forward flush (R+FF). We showed that applying shear stress to the biofilm surface was insufficient for controlling flux loss due to low available space for biofilm growth. At the experimental endpoint, we backwashed with a stepwise transmembrane pressure (TMP) increase or a single TMP on all inside-out HF modules, which removed the biofilm from its base. Afterwards, higher fluxes were yielded. We also showed that all modules exhibited a gradual increase in biopolymer removal followed by stabilization between 70 and 90%. Additionally, control of biofilm growth with surface shear stress did not affect biopolymer removal. In summary, the implementation of inside-out HF with GDM filtration is challenged by low available space for biofilm growth, but may be remedied with a regular backwash to remove biofilm from its base. We showed that a wider range of GDM applications are available; making GDM potentially compatible with implementation in centralized systems, if space limitation is taken into consideration for operation optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Stoffel
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Elvira Rigo
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Céline Jacquin
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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10
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Cross flow frequency determines the physical structure and cohesion of membrane biofilms developed during gravity-driven membrane ultrafiltration of river water: Implication for hydraulic resistance. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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11
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Desmond P, Huisman KT, Sanawar H, Farhat NM, Traber J, Fridjonsson EO, Johns ML, Flemming HC, Picioreanu C, Vrouwenvelder JS. Controlling the hydraulic resistance of membrane biofilms by engineering biofilm physical structure. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 210:118031. [PMID: 34998071 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.118031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The application of membrane technology for water treatment and reuse is hampered by the development of a microbial biofilm. Biofilm growth in micro-and ultrafiltration (MF/UF) membrane modules, on both the membrane surface and feed spacer, can form a secondary membrane and exert resistance to permeation and crossflow, increasing energy demand and decreasing permeate quantity and quality. In recent years, exhaustive efforts were made to understand the chemical, structural and hydraulic characteristics of membrane biofilms. In this review, we critically assess which specific structural features of membrane biofilms exert resistance to forced water passage in MF/UF membranes systems applied to water and wastewater treatment, and how biofilm physical structure can be engineered by process operation to impose less hydraulic resistance ("below-the-pain threshold"). Counter-intuitively, biofilms with greater thickness do not always cause a higher hydraulic resistance than thinner biofilms. Dense biofilms, however, had consistently higher hydraulic resistances compared to less dense biofilms. The mechanism by which density exerts hydraulic resistance is reported in the literature to be dependant on the biofilms' internal packing structure and EPS chemical composition (e.g., porosity, polymer concentration). Current reports of internal porosity in membrane biofilms are not supported by adequate experimental evidence or by a reliable methodology, limiting a unified understanding of biofilm internal structure. Identifying the dependency of hydraulic resistance on biofilm density invites efforts to control the hydraulic resistance of membrane biofilms by engineering internal biofilm structure. Regulation of biofilm internal structure is possible by alteration of key determinants such as feed water nutrient composition/concentration, hydraulic shear stress and resistance and can engineer biofilm structural development to decrease density and therein hydraulic resistance. Future efforts should seek to determine the extent to which the concept of "biofilm engineering" can be extended to other biofilm parameters such as mechanical stability and the implication for biofilm control/removal in engineered water systems (e.g., pipelines and/or, cooling towers) susceptible to biofouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Desmond
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Strasse 1, D52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kees Theo Huisman
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huma Sanawar
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadia M Farhat
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jacqueline Traber
- Department of Process Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG), Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Einar O Fridjonsson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Michael L Johns
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hans-Curt Flemming
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore; Biofilm Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45141, Essen, Germany; IWW Water Centre, Moritzstrasse 26, 45476, Muelheim, Germany
| | - Cristian Picioreanu
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, Netherlands
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12
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Zhang L, Graham N, Derlon N, Tang Y, Siddique MS, Xu L, Yu W. Biofouling by ultra-low pressure filtration of surface water: The paramount role of initial available biopolymers. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Javier L, Pulido-Beltran L, Kruithof J, Vrouwenvelder JS, Farhat NM. Phosphorus Concentration in Water Affects the Biofilm Community and the Produced Amount of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Reverse Osmosis Membrane Systems. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:928. [PMID: 34940429 PMCID: PMC8707166 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11120928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Biofouling is a problem that hinders sustainable membrane-based desalination and the stratification of bacterial populations over the biofilm's height is suggested to compromise the efficiency of cleaning strategies. Some studies reported a base biofilm layer attached to the membrane that is harder to remove. Previous research suggested limiting the concentration of phosphorus in the feed water as a biofouling control strategy. However, the existence of bacterial communities growing under phosphorus-limiting conditions and communities remaining after cleaning is unknown. This study analyzes the bacterial communities developed in biofilms grown in membrane fouling simulators (MFSs) supplied with water with three dosed phosphorus conditions at a constant biodegradable carbon concentration. After biofilm development, biofilm was removed using forward flushing (an easy-to-implement and environmentally friendly method) by increasing the crossflow velocity for one hour. We demonstrate that small changes in phosphorus concentration in the feed water led to (i) different microbial compositions and (ii) different bacterial-cells-to-EPS ratios, while (iii) similar bacterial biofilm populations remained after forward flushing, suggesting a homogenous bacterial community composition along the biofilm height. This study represents an exciting advance towards greener desalination by applying non-expensive physical cleaning methods while manipulating feed water nutrient conditions to prolong membrane system performance and enhance membrane cleanability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Javier
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (L.J.); (L.P.-B.); (J.S.V.)
| | - Laura Pulido-Beltran
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (L.J.); (L.P.-B.); (J.S.V.)
| | - Joop Kruithof
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands;
| | - Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (L.J.); (L.P.-B.); (J.S.V.)
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia M. Farhat
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (L.J.); (L.P.-B.); (J.S.V.)
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14
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Gloag ES, Wozniak DJ, Wolf KL, Masters JG, Daep CA, Stoodley P. Arginine Induced Streptococcus gordonii Biofilm Detachment Using a Novel Rotating-Disc Rheometry Method. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:784388. [PMID: 34805002 PMCID: PMC8602906 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.784388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral diseases are one of the most common pathologies affecting human health. These diseases are typically associated with dental plaque-biofilms, through either build-up of the biofilm or dysbiosis of the microbial community. Arginine can disrupt dental plaque-biofilms, and maintain plaque homeostasis, making it an ideal therapeutic to combat the development of oral disease. Despite our understanding of the actions of arginine towards dental plaque-biofilms, it is still unclear how or if arginine effects the mechanical integrity of the dental plaque-biofilm. Here we adapted a rotating-disc rheometry assay, a method used to quantify marine biofilm fouling, to study how arginine treatment of Streptococcus gordonii biofilms influences biofilm detachment from surfaces. We demonstrate that the assay is highly sensitive at quantifying the presence of biofilm and the detachment or rearrangement of the biofilm structure as a function of shear stress. We demonstrate that arginine treatment leads to earlier detachment of the biofilm, indicating that arginine treatment weakens the biofilm, making it more susceptible to removal by shear stresses. Finally, we demonstrate that the biofilm disrupting affect is specific to arginine, and not a general property of amino acids, as S. gordonii biofilms treated with either glycine or lysine had mechanical properties similar to untreated biofilms. Our results add to the understanding that arginine targets biofilms by multifaceted mechanisms, both metabolic and physical, further promoting the potential of arginine as an active compound in dentifrices to maintain oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Gloag
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kevin L Wolf
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - James G Masters
- Colgate-Palmolive Technology Center, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | | | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC) and National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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15
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Alsenafi A, Bég OA, Ferdows M, Bég TA, Kadir A. Numerical study of nano-biofilm stagnation flow from a nonlinear stretching/shrinking surface with variable nanofluid and bioconvection transport properties. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9877. [PMID: 33972577 PMCID: PMC8111028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88935-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A mathematical model is developed for stagnation point flow toward a stretching or shrinking sheet of liquid nano-biofilm containing spherical nano-particles and bioconvecting gyrotactic micro-organisms. Variable transport properties of the liquid (viscosity, thermal conductivity, nano-particle species diffusivity) and micro-organisms (species diffusivity) are considered. Buongiorno's two-component nanoscale model is deployed and spherical nanoparticles in a dilute nanofluid considered. Using a similarity transformation, the nonlinear systems of partial differential equations is converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These resulting equations are solved numerically using a central space finite difference method in the CodeBlocks Fortran platform. Graphical plots for the distribution of reduced skin friction coefficient, reduced Nusselt number, reduced Sherwood number and the reduced local density of the motile microorganisms as well as the velocity, temperature, nanoparticle volume fraction and the density of motile microorganisms are presented for the influence of wall velocity power-law index (m), viscosity parameter [Formula: see text], thermal conductivity parameter (c4), nano-particle mass diffusivity (c6), micro-organism species diffusivity (c8), thermophoresis parameter [Formula: see text], Brownian motion parameter [Formula: see text], Lewis number [Formula: see text], bioconvection Schmidt number [Formula: see text], bioconvection constant (σ) and bioconvection Péclet number [Formula: see text]. Validation of the solutions via comparison related to previous simpler models is included. Further verification of the general model is conducted with the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Extensive interpretation of the physics is included. Skin friction is elevated with viscosity parameter ([Formula: see text] whereas it is suppressed with greater Lewis number and thermophoresis parameter. Temperatures are elevated with increasing thermal conductivity parameter ([Formula: see text] whereas Nusselt numbers are reduced. Nano-particle volume fraction (concentration) is enhanced with increasing nano-particle mass diffusivity parameter ([Formula: see text]) whereas it is markedly reduced with greater Lewis number (Le) and Brownian motion parameter (Nb). With increasing stretching/shrinking velocity power-law exponent ([Formula: see text] skin friction is decreased whereas Nusselt number and Sherwood number are both elevated. Motile microorganism density is boosted strongly with increasing micro-organism diffusivity parameter ([Formula: see text]) and Brownian motion parameter (Nb) but reduced considerably with greater bioconvection Schmidt number (Sc) and bioconvection Péclet number (Pe). The simulations find applications in deposition processes in nano-bio-coating manufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - O Anwar Bég
- Department of Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering, Salford University, Manchester, M54WT, UK
| | - M Ferdows
- Research Group of Fluid Flow Modeling and Simulation, Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Tasveer A Bég
- Renewable Energy and Computational Multi-Physics, Israfil House, Dickenson Rd., Manchester, M13, UK
| | - A Kadir
- Department of Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering, Salford University, Manchester, M54WT, UK
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16
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Keresten V, Solovyeva E, Mikhelson K. The Origin of the Non-Constancy of the Bulk Resistance of Ion-Selective Electrode Membranes within the Nernstian Response Range. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11050344. [PMID: 34067145 PMCID: PMC8150337 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11050344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The dependence of the bulk resistance of membranes of ionophore-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) on the composition of mixed electrolyte solutions, within the range of the Nernstian potentiometric response, is studied by chronopotentiometric and impedance measurements. In parallel to the resistance, water uptake by the membranes is also studied gravimetrically. The similarity of the respective curves is registered and explained in terms of heterogeneity of the membranes due to the presence of dispersed aqueous phase (water droplets). It is concluded that the electrochemical equilibrium is established between aqueous solution and the continuous organic phase, while the resistance refers to the membrane as whole, and water droplets hamper the charge transfer across the membranes. In this way, it is explained why the membrane bulk resistance is not constant within the range of the Nernstian potentiometric response of ISEs.
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17
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Solovyeva EV, Lu H, Khripoun GA, Mikhelson KN, Kazarian SG. In situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging of PVC, plasticizer and water in solvent-polymeric ion-selective membrane containing Cd2+-selective neutral ionophore. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Javier L, Farhat NM, Vrouwenvelder JS. Enhanced hydraulic cleanability of biofilms developed under a low phosphorus concentration in reverse osmosis membrane systems. WATER RESEARCH X 2021; 10:100085. [PMID: 33385157 PMCID: PMC7770974 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2020.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A critical problem in seawater reverse osmosis (RO) filtration processes is biofilm accumulation, which reduces system performance and increases energy requirements. As a result, membrane systems need to be periodically cleaned by combining chemical and physical protocols. Nutrient limitation in the feed water is a strategy to control biofilm formation, lengthening stable membrane system performance. However, the cleanability of biofilms developed under various feed water nutrient conditions is not well understood. This study analyzes the removal efficiency of biofilms grown in membrane fouling simulators (MFSs) supplied with water varying in phosphorus concentrations (3 and 6 μg P·L-1 and with constant biodegradable carbon concentration) by applying hydraulic cleaning after a defined 140% increase in the feed channel pressure drop, through increasing the cross-flow velocity from 0.18 m s-1 to 0.35 m s-1 for 1 h. The two phosphorus concentrations (3 and 6 μg P·L-1) simulate the RO feed water without and with the addition of a phosphorus-based antiscalant, respectively, and were chosen based on measurements at a full-scale seawater RO desalination plant. Biomass quantification parameters performed after membrane autopsies such as total cell count, adenosine triphosphate, total organic carbon, and extracellular polymeric substances were used along with feed channel pressure drop measurements to evaluate biofilm removal efficiency. The outlet water during hydraulic cleaning (1 h) was collected and characterized as well. Optical coherence tomography images were taken before and after hydraulic cleaning for visualization of biofilm morphology. Biofilms grown at 3 μg P·L-1 had an enhanced hydraulic cleanability compared to biofilms grown at 6 μg P·L-1. The higher detachment for biofilms grown at a lower phosphorus concentration was explained by more soluble polymers in the EPS, resulting in a lower biofilm cohesive and adhesive strength. This study confirms that manipulating the feed water nutrient composition can engineer a biofilm that is easier to remove, shifting research focus towards biofilm engineering and more sustainable cleaning strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Javier
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadia M. Farhat
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ Delft, the Netherlands
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19
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Biofilm as a live and in-situ formed membrane for solids separation in bioreactors: Biofilm succession governs resistance variation demonstrated during the start-up period. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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20
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Shi D, Liu Y, Fu W, Li J, Fang Z, Shao S. A combination of membrane relaxation and shear stress significantly improve the flux of gravity-driven membrane system. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 175:115694. [PMID: 32182538 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration system is a promising process for decentralized drinking water treatment. During the operation, membrane relaxation and shear stress could be simply achieved by intermittent filtration and water disturbance (created by occasionally shaking membrane model or stirring water in membrane tank), respectively. To better understand the impact of membrane relaxation and shear stress on the biofouling layer and stable flux in GDM system, action of daily 60-min intermission, daily flushing (cross-flow velocity = 10 cm s-1, 1 min), and the combination of the two (flushed right after the 60-min intermission) were compared. The results showed that membrane relaxation and shear stress lonely was ineffective in improving the stable flux, while their combination enhanced the stable flux by 70%. A more open and spatially heterogeneous biofouling layer with a low extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) content and a high microbial activity was formed under the combination of membrane relaxation and shear stress. In-situ optical coherence tomography (OCT) observation revealed that, during intermission, the absence of pushing force by water flow induced a reversible expansion of biofouling layer, and the biofouling layer restored to its initial state soon after resuming filtration. Shear stress caused abrasion and erosion on the biofouling surface, but it exerted little effect on the interior of biofouling layer. Under the combination, however, both the surface and interior of biofouling layer were disturbed because of 1) the water vortexes caused by rough biofouling layer surface, and 2) the porous structure after 60-min intermission. This disturbance, in turn, helped the biofouling layer maintain its roughness and porosity, thereby improving the stable flux of GDM system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danting Shi
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Wenwen Fu
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Jiangyun Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Zheng Fang
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Senlin Shao
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, PR China.
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21
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Das P, van der Meer AD, Vivas A, Arik YB, Remigy JC, Lahitte JF, Lammertink RG, Bacchin P. Tunable Microstructured Membranes in Organs-on-Chips to Monitor Transendothelial Hydraulic Resistance. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:1635-1645. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2019.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Das
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5503, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, TechMed Centre and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Soft Matter, Fluidics and Interfaces, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Andries D. van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Aisen Vivas
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, TechMed Centre and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Yusuf B. Arik
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, TechMed Centre and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Remigy
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5503, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-François Lahitte
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5503, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Rob G.H. Lammertink
- Soft Matter, Fluidics and Interfaces, Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Patrice Bacchin
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5503, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
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22
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Silva MOD, Pernthaler J. Priming of microcystin degradation in carbon-amended membrane biofilm communities is promoted by oxygen-limited conditions. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 95:5582606. [PMID: 31589311 PMCID: PMC6804753 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiz157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial biofilms are an important element of gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration systems for decentralized drinking water production. Mature biofilms fed with biomass from the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa efficiently remove the cyanotoxin microcystin (MC). MC degradation can be ‘primed’ by prior addition of biomass from a non-toxic M. aeruginosa strain. Increased proportions of bacteria with an anaerobic metabolism in M. aeruginosa-fed biofilms suggest that this ‘priming’ could be due to higher productivity and the resulting changes in habitat conditions. We, therefore, investigated GDM systems amended with the biomass of toxic (WT) or non-toxic (MUT) M. aeruginosa strains, of diatoms (DT), or with starch solution (ST). After 25 days, these treatments were changed to receiving toxic cyanobacterial biomass. MC degradation established significantly more rapidly in MUT and ST than in DT. Oxygen measurements suggested that this was due to oxygen-limited conditions in MUT and ST already prevailing before addition of MC-containing biomass. Moreover, the microbial communities in the initial ST biofilms featured high proportions of facultative anaerobic taxa, whereas aerobes dominated in DT biofilms. Thus, the ‘priming’ of MC degradation in mature GDM biofilms seems to be related to the prior establishment of oxygen-limited conditions mediated by higher productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa O D Silva
- Limnological Station, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Seestrasse 187, CH-8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland
| | - Jakob Pernthaler
- Limnological Station, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Seestrasse 187, CH-8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland
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23
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Meng D, Wu J, Chen K, Li H, Jin W, Shu S, Zhang J. Effects of extracellular polymeric substances and microbial community on the anti-scouribility of sewer sediment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 687:494-504. [PMID: 31212158 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sewer sediment is the main source of overflow pollution, and the anti-scouribility of sewer sediment directly determines the amount of the discharged contaminants. In this study, sewer sediments of different depths were collected from combined and storm sewers in Shanghai, China. The anti-scouribility, represented by the shear stress of each layer of sewer sediment, was detected in situ. The microbial community and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including carbohydrates and proteins present in the sewer sediments were characterized. The results indicated that the distribution of the anti-scouribility of sewer sediment is regulated. There were positive correlations between the content of EPS, proteins, and carbohydrates, and the anti-scouribility of sediments (Pearson Corr. = 0.604, sig. = 0.219; Pearson Corr. = 0.623, sig. = 0.234; Pearson Corr. = 0.727, sig. = 0.359, respectively). Furthermore, the microbial community had a positive influence on anti-scouribility. In particular, the gram-positive bacterial phyla of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes may be important and influential for the improvement of anti-scouribility of sediment owing to their production of cellulose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daizong Meng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jun Wu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Keli Chen
- Urban & Rural Construction Design Institute CO, LTD, 310020 Hangzhou, China
| | - Huaizheng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Wei Jin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuzhen Shu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Groundwater and Earth Sciences, Jinan University, 510632 Guangzhou, China
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24
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Huang J, Wu X, Cai D, Chen G, Li D, Yu Y, Petrik LF, Liu G. Linking solids retention time to the composition, structure, and hydraulic resistance of biofilms developed on support materials in dynamic membrane bioreactors. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Jafari M, Derlon N, Desmond P, van Loosdrecht MCM, Morgenroth E, Picioreanu C. Biofilm compressibility in ultrafiltration: A relation between biofilm morphology, mechanics and hydraulic resistance. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 157:335-345. [PMID: 30965160 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Poroelastic fluid-structure interaction models were coupled to experimental data to determine the effects of biofilm spatial distribution of mechanical and hydraulic properties on the biofilm hydraulic resistance and compressibility in membrane filtration processes. Biofilms were cultivated on ultrafiltration membranes for 20 and 30 days under high (0.28 bar) and low (0.06 bar) transmembrane pressure (TMP), in dead-end filtration mode. Subsequently, biofilms were subjected to a compression/relaxation cycles by step-wise TMP changes. Structural deformation of biofilms during compression was observed in-situ using optical coherence tomography. Experimental results show that the observed increase in the biofilm hydraulic resistance during compression is not necessarily accompanied by a detectable biofilm thickness reduction. A dual-layer biofilm model with a dense base and porous top layer could explain these observed results. Because porosity controls indirectly the mechanical response of biofilms under compression, results could be described without assuming a gradient in mechanical properties within the biofilm. The biofilm surface roughness did not significantly influence the water flux in this study. However, the fraction of biofilm base layer directly exposed to bulk liquid could be a good indicator in the determination of water flux. The main implications of this study for the design and operation of low-pressure membrane systems (e.g., MF and UF with fouling layer being the main filtration resistance) lays in the selection of favorable operational TMP and biofilm morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morez Jafari
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Peter Desmond
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cristian Picioreanu
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
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