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Chen C, Yang Y, Graham NJD, Li Z, Yang X, Wang Z, Farhat N, Vrouwenvelder JS, Hou LA. A comprehensive evaluation of the temporal and spatial fouling characteristics of RO membranes in a full-scale seawater desalination plant. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120914. [PMID: 38007899 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120914] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membranes remains a persistent challenge in desalination. Previous research has focused mainly on fouling separately; however, organic, inorganic, and biofouling can coexist and influence each other. Hence, in-depth study of the spatiotemporal changes in actual combined fouling in full-scale seawater desalination will provide more effective information for fouling investigation and control. In this study, we monitored (i) the operational performance of a full-scale desalination plant for 7 years and (ii) the development and characterization of membrane and spacer fouling at different locations of spiral-wound membrane modules sampled after 2.5-, 3.5-, and 7-year operation. The findings showed that (i) operational performance indicators declined with time (normalized flux 40 % reduction, salt rejection 2 % in 7 years), with a limited effect of the 20-day cleaning frequency, (ii) fouling accumulation in the membrane module mainly occurred at the feed side of the lead module and the microbial community in these area exhibited the highest diversity, (iii) the dominant microbial OTUs belonged mainly to Proteobacteria (43-70 %), followed by Bacteroidetes (10-11 %), (iv) Phylogenetic molecular ecological networks and Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Chloroflexi (Anaerolineae) and Planctomycetes were keystone species in maintaining the community structure and biofilm maturation and significantly impacted the foulant content on the SWRO membrane, even with low abundance, and that (v) fouling accumulation was composed of polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic Ca/Fe/Mg/Si dominate the fouling layer of both the membrane and spacer. Overall, variation partitioning analysis quantitatively describes the increasing contribution of biofouling over time. Ultimately, the organic‒inorganic-biofouling interaction (70 %) significantly contributed to the overall fouling of the membrane after 7 years of operation. These results can be used to develop more targeted fouling control strategies to optimize SWRO desalination plant design and operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Nigel J D Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Zhenyu Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xingtao Yang
- Qingdao Bcta Desalination Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Zhining Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Nadia Farhat
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Li-An Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Song W, Ryu J, Jung J, Yu Y, Choi S, Kweon J. Dispersive biofilm from membrane bioreactor strains: effects of diffusible signal factor addition and characterization by dispersion index. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1211761. [PMID: 37560518 PMCID: PMC10409479 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1211761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biofilm occurs ubiquitously in water system. Excessive biofilm formation deteriorates severely system performance in several water and wastewater treatment processes. Quorum sensing systems were controlled in this study with a signal compound cis-2-Decenoic acid (CDA) to regulate various functions of microbial communities, including motility, enzyme production, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production in biofilm. METHODS The addition of CDA to six strains extracted from membrane bioreactor sludge and the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 strain was examined for modulating biofilm development by regulating DSF expression. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION As the CDA doses increased, optical density of the biofilm dispersion assay increased, and the decrease in EPS of the biofilm was obvious on membrane surfaces. The three-dimensional visual images and quantitative analyses of biofilm formation with CDA proved thinner, less massive, and more dispersive than those without; to evaluate its dispersive intensity, a dispersion index was proposed. This could compare the dispersive effects of CDA dosing to other biofilms or efficiencies of biofouling control practices such as backwashing or new cleaning methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjung Song
- The Academy of Applied Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhee Ryu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Jung
- HANSU Technical Service Ltd, Sungnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjae Yu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Suyoung Choi
- The Academy of Applied Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyang Kweon
- Department of Environmental Engineering Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Biofouling in Membrane Bioreactors: Mechanism, Interactions and Possible Mitigation Using Biosurfactants. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:2114-2133. [PMID: 36385366 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04261-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Biofouling roots damage to membrane bioreactors (MBRs), such as physical, functional and organisational changes and even therefore clogging of the membrane pores and successive microbial degradation. Further, it blocks the pores, results into a biomass cake and in due course reduces the membrane flux and leads to an increase in the operational costs. MBR fouling contributed to the rise in transmembrane pressure (TMP) and decrease in permeate flux (in case of constant pressure operation mode). Chemical surfactants adopted for the cleaning of membrane surfaces have certain disadvantages such as toxicity manifestations, damage to the membranes and high CMC concentrations. Biosurfactant surfactants have attained increasing interest due to their low toxicity, biodegradability, stability to extreme environmental conditions such as temperatures, pH and tolerance to salinity. The biosurfactants trapped the foulants via micelle formation, which distresses hydrophobic interactions amongst bacteria and the surface. Rhamnolipids as an anionic biosurfactant pose a significant interfacial potential and have affinity to bind organic matter. The present review discusses the problem of biofouling in MBRs, type and interactions of foulants involved and also highlights the mechanisms of biosurfactant cleaning, effect of different parameters, effect of concentration, TMP, flux recovery, permeability, mitigation practices and challenges.
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4
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A deep neural networks framework for in-situ biofilm thickness detection and hydrodynamics tracing for filtration systems. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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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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6
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Koo JW, Ho JS, Tan YZ, Tan WS, An J, Zhang Y, Chua CK, Chong TH. Fouling mitigation in reverse osmosis processes with 3D printed sinusoidal spacers. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 207:117818. [PMID: 34749103 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Feed spacers are an essential part of spiral wound modules for reverse osmosis (RO). They create flow channels between membrane sheets and manipulate hydrodynamic conditions to control membrane fouling. In this work, additive manufacturing (Polyjet) was used to print novel sinusoidal spacers with wavy axial filaments connected by perpendicular (ST) or slanted (SL) transverse filaments. When tested with 2 g/L NaCl solution, conventional and SL spacers had similar flux while the ST spacer had about 5-7% lower flux. The pressure losses for ST and SL spacers increased by up to 3 folds depending on the flow condition. In the colloidal silica fouling and biofouling tests, the sinusoidal spacers showed lower membrane permeability decrease of 46% for ST, 41% for SL vs 56% for conventional and 26% for ST, 22% for SL vs 33% for conventional, respectively. Optical coherence tomography images from colloidal silica fouling and confocal images from biofouling tests revealed that fouling patterns were closely associated with the local hydrodynamic conditions. Overall, sinusoidal spacers showed promising results in controlling membrane fouling, but there is potential for further optimizations to reduce channel pressure loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wee Koo
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One #06-08, Singapore 637141, Singapore; Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jia Shin Ho
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One #06-08, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Yong Zen Tan
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Wen See Tan
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jia An
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Chee Kai Chua
- Engineering Product Development Pillar, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - Tzyy Haur Chong
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One #06-08, Singapore 637141, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
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7
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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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Liang L, Veksha A, Mohamed Amrad MZB, Snyder SA, Lisak G. Upcycling of exhausted reverse osmosis membranes into value-added pyrolysis products and carbon dots. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 419:126472. [PMID: 34186428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are widely used worldwide for production of fresh water from various sources, primarily ocean desalination. However, with limited service life, exhausted RO membrane modules often end up as plastic wastes disposed of predominantly by landfilling. It is imperative to find a feasible way to upcycle end-of-life RO membrane modules into valuable products. In this paper, the feasibility of RO membrane recycling via pyrolysis and subsequent conversion of resulting char into carbon dots (CDs) through H2O2-assisted hydrothermal method was investigated. RO membrane module pyrolysis at 600 °C produced oil (28 wt%), non-condensable gas (17 wt%), and char (22 wt%). While oil and gas can serve as fuel and chemical feedstock due to rich hydrocarbon content, char was found a suitable precursor for the synthesis of functional CDs. The resulting CDs doped with N (4.8%) and S (1.8%) exhibited excellent water dispersibility, narrow size distribution of 1.3-6.8 nm, high stability, and strong blue fluorescence with a quantum yield of 6.24%. CDs demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe3+ in the range of 0-100 μM with the limit of detection of 2.97 μM and were capable of determining Fe3+ in real water samples (tap water and pond water).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Liang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141; Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141
| | - Andrei Veksha
- Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141
| | | | - Shane Allen Snyder
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798; Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141
| | - Grzegorz Lisak
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798; Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141.
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9
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Lin W, Zhang Y, Li D, Wang XM, Huang X. Roles and performance enhancement of feed spacer in spiral wound membrane modules for water treatment: A 20-year review on research evolvement. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117146. [PMID: 33945947 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Membrane technologies have been widely applied in water treatment, wastewater reclamation and seawater desalination. Feed spacer present in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules plays a pivotal role in creating flow channels, promoting fluid mixing and enhancing mass transfer. However, it induces the increase of feed channel pressure (FCP) drop and localized stagnant zones that provokes membrane fouling. For the first time, we comprehensively review the research evolvement on feed spacer in SWM modules for water treatment over the last 20 years, to reveal the impacts of feed spacer on the hydrodynamics and biofouling in the spacer-filled channel, and to discuss the potential approaches and current limitations for the modification of feed spacer. The research process can be divided into three phases, with research focus shifting from hydrodynamics in Phase Ⅰ (the year of 2001-2008), to biofouling in Phase Ⅱ (the year of 2009-2015), and then to novel spacer designs in Phase Ⅲ (the year of 2016-2020). The spacer configuration has a momentous impact on the hydraulic performance regarding flow velocity field, shear stress, mass transfer and FCP drop. Biofouling initially occurs on feed spacer, especially around spacer filaments and the contact zones with membrane surface, and ultimately degrades the overall membrane performance indicating the importance of controlling spacer biofouling. The modification of feed spacer is mainly achieved by altering surface chemistry or introducing novel configurations. However, the stability of spacer coating and the economy and practicality of 3D-printed spacer remain a predicament to be tackled. Future studies are suggested to focus on the standardization of testing conditions for spacer evaluation, the effect of hydrodynamics on membrane fouling control, the design and fabrication of novel feed spacer adaptable for SWM modules, the application of feed spacer for drinking water production, organic fouling control in spacer-filled channel and the role of permeate spacer on membrane performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Danyang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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10
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Gonzalez-Gil G, Behzad AR, Farinha ASF, Zhao C, Bucs SS, Nada T, Das R, Altmann T, Buijs PJ, Vrouwenvelder JS. Clinical Autopsy of a Reverse Osmosis Membrane Module. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2021.683379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The desalination of seawater using reverse osmosis membranes is an attractive solution to global freshwater scarcity. However, membrane performance is reduced by (bio)fouling. Membrane autopsies are essential for identifying the type of fouling material, and applying corrective measures to minimize membrane fouling. Information from full-scale membrane autopsies guiding improved plant operations is scant in the formal literature. In this case-study, a reverse osmosis membrane from a full-scale seawater desalination plant with a feed channel pressure drop increase of about 218% over the pressure vessel was autopsied. The simultaneous determination of microbial cells, ATP, and total organic carbon (TOC) abundances per membrane area allowed estimating the contributions of biofouling and organic fouling. The abundance of microbial cells determined by flow cytometry (up to 7 × 108 cells/cm2), and ATP (up to 21,000 pg/cm2) as well as TOC (up to 98 μg/cm2) were homogeneously distributed on the membrane. Inorganic fouling was also measured, and followed a similar coverage distribution to that of biofouling. Iron (∼150 μg/cm2, estimated by ICP-MS) was the main inorganic foulant. ATR-FTIR spectra supported that membrane fouling was both organic/biological and inorganic. High-resolution SEM-EDS imaging of cross-sectioned membranes allowed assessing the thickness of the fouling layer (up to 20 μm) and its elemental composition. Imaging results further supported the results of homogeneous fouling coverage. Moreover, imaging revealed both zones with and without compression of the polysulfone membrane layer, suggesting that the stress due to operating pressure was heterogeneous. The procedure for this membrane autopsy provided a reasonable overview of the diverse contributors of fouling and might be a starting point to building a consensus autopsy protocol. Next, it would be valuable to build a RO membrane autopsy database, which can be used as a guidance and diagnostic tool to improve the management and operation of RO desalination plants.
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Bristow NW, Vogt SJ, Bucs SS, Vrouwenvelder JS, Johns ML, Fridjonsson EO. Novel Magnetic Resonance Measurements of Fouling in Operating Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis Membrane Modules. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 196:117006. [PMID: 33744656 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A novel magnetic resonance measurement (MRM) protocol for non-invasive monitoring of fouling in spiral wound reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane modules is demonstrated. Sodium alginate was used to progressively foul a commercial SWRO membrane at industrially relevant operating conditions in a circulating flow loop. The MRM protocol showcased the following: (i) earlier, more sensitive detection and quantification of fouling in the membrane module compared to feed-channel pressure drop. This was achieved using appropriate detection of the total nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal. (ii) 2D cross-sectional imaging of the location of the accumulated foulant material; this was preferentially located adjacent to the membrane spacer sheet nodes, which was subsequently confirmed by a module autopsy. This image contrast, which could also readily differentiate the membrane, feed spacer and permeate spacer regions, was realised based on differences in the NMR relaxation parameter, T2,eff. (iii) High frequency acquisition of 2D cross-sectional velocity images of the module revealing very localised flow channelling in response to gradual foulant accumulation which impacted significantly on the flow pattern within the central permeate tube. Collectively this NMR/MRI measurement protocol provides a powerful analysis tool for the evolution of fouling in such complex modules, thus ultimately enabling more informed module design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Bristow
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah J Vogt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Szilard S Bucs
- 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, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Michael L Johns
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Einar O Fridjonsson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
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12
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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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13
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Yan X, Tao W, Cheng S, Ma C, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Kong X. Layer-by-layer assembly of bio-inspired borate/graphene oxide membranes for dye removal. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 256:127118. [PMID: 32460162 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dye wastewater is harmful to the ecological environment because of its potential biological toxicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity. We fabricated a layered graphene oxide (GO) membrane through layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly. We used borate to crosslink with GO on a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (hPAN) support. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, Raman spectra, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of a crosslinking reaction. The dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) results indicated that the introduction of borate can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the membrane. The Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and proportional limit of borate that was assembled twice as the outermost layer were increased by 110.81%, 62.37%, and 53.72%, respectively, as compared to those of a single-layered GO membrane. Moreover, the pure water fluxes of the layered GO membrane did not obviously decrease with an increase in the number of layers. The flux of the membrane with an outermost layer of borate was greater than that of the previous GO layer. The salt and dye rejection of the membranes was augmented with an increase in the number of layers. For the GO membrane assembled three times, rejection to methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), NaCl, MgCl2, and MgSO4 reached 74.02%, 88.56%, 14.55%, 27.50%, and 41.95%, respectively. The use of borate as an inorganic crosslinker can avoid the environmental pollution caused by organic agents, and improve the mechanical properties as well as the filter capability of the layered GO membrane. Therefore, this study presents a novel method of membrane preparation for dye removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoju Yan
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Wen Tao
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Shirong Cheng
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Xiangji Kong
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing, 210042, China.
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14
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Javier L, Farhat NM, Desmond P, Linares RV, Bucs S, Kruithof JC, Vrouwenvelder JS. Biofouling control by phosphorus limitation strongly depends on the assimilable organic carbon concentration. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 183:116051. [PMID: 32622233 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient limitation is a biofouling control strategy in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems. In seawater, the assimilable organic carbon content available for bacterial growth ranges from about 50 to 400 μg C·L-1, while the phosphorus concentration ranges from 3 to 11 μg P·L-1. Several studies monitored biofouling development, limiting either carbon or phosphorus. The effect of carbon to phosphorus ratio and the restriction of both nutrients on membrane system performance have not yet been investigated. This study examines the impact of reduced phosphorus concentration (from 25 μg P·L-1 and 3 μg P·L-1, to a low concentration of ≤0.3 μg P·L-1), combined with two different carbon concentrations (250 C L-1 and 30 μg C·L-1), on biofilm development in an RO system. Feed channel pressure drop was measured to determine the effect of the developed biofilm on system performance. The morphology of the accumulated biomass for both carbon concentrations was characterized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the biomass amount and composition was quantified by measuring total organic carbon (TOC), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), total cell counts (TCC), and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration for the developed biofilms under phosphorus restricted (P-restricted) and dosed (P-dosed) conditions. For both carbon concentrations, P-restricted conditions (≤0.3 μg P·L-1) limited bacterial growth (lower values of ATP, TCC). A faster pressure drop increase was observed for P-restricted conditions compared to P-dosed conditions when 250 μg C·L-1 was dosed. This faster pressure drop increase can be explained by a higher area covered by biofilm in the flow channel and a higher amount of produced EPS. Conversely, a slower pressure drop increase was observed for P-restricted conditions compared to P-dosed conditions when 30 μg C·L-1 was dosed. Results of this study demonstrate that P-limitation delayed biofilm formation effectively when combined with low assimilable organic carbon concentration and thereby, lengthening the overall membrane system performance.
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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.
| | - Peter Desmond
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rodrigo Valladares Linares
- Renewable Energy Unit, Yucatan Center for Scientific Research (CICY), 43 Street #130, Chuburna de Hidalgo, 97205, Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Szilárd Bucs
- 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
| | - Joop C Kruithof
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - 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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15
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Modification of polyvinylidene fluoride membrane by quaternary ammonium compounds loaded on silica nanopollens for mitigating biofouling. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Zhang J, Ge Y, Li Z, Wang Y. Facile fabrication of a low-cost and environmentally friendly inorganic-organic composite membrane for aquatic dye removal. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 256:109969. [PMID: 31989986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This study reports a new inorganic-organic composite membrane fabricated by an electrostatic self-assembling method. The low-cost and eco-friendly porous geopolymer (PG) was chosen as a support, on which chitosan (CS), a "green" biomaterial, was used to form an active layer. With optimum dosage of CS (2.0 mL of 1.0% CS solution), the obtained CS/PG membrane exhibited a high porosity of 50.97% with an average pore diameter of 13.93 nm as well as a high water flux of 1663.82 ± 22.46 L/m2·h·bar. The effects of initial concentration, pH, flow rate and temperature of the feed solution on crystal violet (CV) removal by the CS/PG were evaluated in a continuous mode. The results indicated ~95% CV could be removed from water during continuous treating of 14 h. The effectiveness in CV removal by the CS/PG membrane was attributed to the synergistic effect of rejection and adsorption. Furthermore, the composite membrane could be easily regenerated for prolonged use. Overall, this work opens a new possibility of building cost-saving and eco-friendly composite membranes for practical applications in water purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiubing Zhang
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ge
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Zhili Li
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yipin Wang
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
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Pilot-Scale Assessment of Urea as a Chemical Cleaning Agent for Biofouling Control in Spiral-Wound Reverse Osmosis Membrane Elements. MEMBRANES 2019; 9:membranes9090117. [PMID: 31500149 PMCID: PMC6780893 DOI: 10.3390/membranes9090117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Routine chemical cleaning with the combined use of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is carried out as a means of biofouling control in reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The novelty of the research presented herein is in the application of urea, instead of NaOH, as a chemical cleaning agent to full-scale spiral-wound RO membrane elements. A comparative study was carried out at a pilot-scale facility at the Evides Industriewater DECO water treatment plant in the Netherlands. Three fouled 8-inch diameter membrane modules were harvested from the lead position of one of the full-scale RO units treating membrane bioreactor (MBR) permeate. One membrane module was not cleaned and was assessed as the control. The second membrane module was cleaned by the standard alkali/acid cleaning protocol. The third membrane module was cleaned with concentrated urea solution followed by acid rinse. The results showed that urea cleaning is as effective as the conventional chemical cleaning with regards to restoring the normalized feed channel pressure drop, and more effective in terms of (i) improving membrane permeability, and (ii) solubilizing organic foulants and the subsequent removal of the surface fouling layer. Higher biomass removal by urea cleaning was also indicated by the fact that the total organic carbon (TOC) content in the HCl rinse solution post-urea-cleaning was an order of magnitude greater than in the HCl rinse after standard cleaning. Further optimization of urea-based membrane cleaning protocols and urea recovery and/or waste treatment methods is proposed for full-scale applications.
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