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Why low powdered activated carbon addition reduces membrane fouling in MBRs

  • M.J.J. Remy
  • , V. Potier
  • , B.G. Temmink
  • , W.H. Rulkens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Previous research had demonstrated that powdered activated carbon (PAC), when applied at very low dosages and long SRTs, reduces membrane fouling in membrane bioreactor (MBRs). In this contribution several mechanisms to explain this beneficial effect of PAC were investigated, including enhanced scouring of the membrane surface by PAC particles, adsorption of membrane foulants by PAC and subsequent biodegradation and a positive effect of PAC on the strength of the sludge flocs. It was concluded that the latter mechanism best explains why low dosages of PAC significantly reduce membrane fouling. Cheaper alternatives for PAC may have a similar effect
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)861-867
JournalWater Research
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Keywords

  • waste water treatment
  • water treatment
  • activated carbon
  • adsorption
  • membranes
  • biological filtration
  • filterability
  • flocculation
  • biodegradation
  • purification plants
  • waste-water treatment
  • bioreactor mbr
  • sludge
  • flux
  • performance
  • filtration
  • bioflocculation
  • operation

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