EFFECT OF THE MEMBRANE CHARACTERISTICS AND OPERATION MODES, IN THE FOULING OF ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES BY NATURAL ORGANIC MATTER (NOM)

Membrane fouling by natural organic matter (NOM) is a major problem in ultrafiltration (UF) water treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of operations modes on natural organic matter fouling, rejection and flux decline during UF. A comparison of constant pressure and constant flux tests confirmed that modest constant flux provided the most beneficial conditions. As general observation hydrophilic membranes were less prone to NOM fouling.