Natural organic matter fouling of low-pressure, hollow-fiber membranes: Effects of NOM source and hydrodynamic conditions.

Effects of natural organic matter (NOM) source and hydrodynamic conditions on both hydraulically reversible and irreversible fouling of low-pressure, hollow-fiber (LPHF) membranes were systematically investigated using representative sources of natural waters and wastewater effluents. It was found that NOM source plays a primary role in determining the fouling of these membranes. Increase in permeate flux promoted membrane fouling, but to a lesser extent than NOM source.

Removal of biological and non-biological viral surrogates by spiral-wound reverse osmosis membrane elements with intact and compromised integrity.

The removal of bacteriophage MS2 and fluorescent-dyed polystyrene microspheres with intact and purposely compromised spiral-wound RO membrane elements was investigated. MS2 rejection with intact membrane elements was >99.9995%.