AWWA ACE63082

This slide presentation outlines a study on the effects of acid/base treatment of activated carbon on Membrane Fouling in PAC-MF Systems. Research objectives included: effects of acid/base treatment on powdered activated carbon (PAC) surface chemistry; effects of acid/base treatment of PAC on adsorption of organic matter and metal; and, effects of acid/base treatment of PAC on membrane fouling. Methods outlined included: organic matter (NOM) characterization; functional group (FTIR); dissolved organic carbon (DOC); biopolymer composition (P-GC/MS); PAC characterization; surface charge: acid/base titration; functional groups: FTIR; scanning electron microscopy (SEM); metal: ICP-AES; membrane characterization; and, topography: atomic force microscopy (AFM). Conclusions included: acid/base treatment remarkably changed surface chemistry of APAC, and BPAC; acid/base treatment of PACs affects on adsorption: BPAC slightly enhanced the adsorption of natural organic matter (NOM), and APAC significantly enhanced metal adsorption; chemical-treated PACs reduce membrane fouling in PAC-MF system; and, the result suggest that PAC-MF can be applied to increase permeate quality and control membrane fouling. Includes tables, figures.