Fouling is a major challenge in the use of polymeric membranes for treating industrial wastewater, impacting efficiency and increasing costs. This recent study evaluates fouling behavior in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone (PS) membranes used in low-pressure applications. By immersing the membranes in industrial wastewater (IWW) without filtration, researchers observed how organic molecules adhere to membrane surfaces, causing pore blockages and reduced water flow.
Testing showed that pore size, membrane material, and surface roughness play crucial roles in fouling levels. For instance, the PVDF membrane with a 0.5 mm pore size displayed lower flux reduction compared to the finer PVDF and PS membranes with 0.2 mm pores, indicating that larger pores may mitigate fouling.
Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to measure surface roughness, the study noted that rougher surfaces on finer-pore membranes tend to accumulate more fouling. These insights are pivotal for developing membranes with antifouling properties, potentially through surface modifications that enhance hydrophilicity, thereby reducing organic adhesion.
This research supports advancements in membrane technology, paving the way for more effective, sustainable water treatment processes. Continued studies could lead to solutions that improve membrane longevity and reduce operational costs in wastewater treatment.
Full Link: https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/html/igmin192
DOI Link: https://dx.doi.org/10.61927/igmin192
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