Reducing Fouling by Adsorptive Precoat Filtration

Natural organic matter (NOM) is universally recognized as a major foulant of membranes used for drinking water treatment. The fouling has been attributed to adsorption of NOM in membrane pores and/or to formation of a gel layer that covers the membrane surface. Colloids, humics, and polysaccharides have each been implicated as major contributors to this fouling material. Efforts to reduce the impact of this fouling have focused on pretreatment with conventional coagulants or powdered activated carbon.