AWWA MTC57628

It is well known that microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes can remove microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and protozoan (oo)cysts. In recent years, focus has been placed on optimizing the operation of MF and UF membrane systems in an attempt to minimize membrane fouling or maximize flux, and to lower the cost of operation for drinking water production. Microbial challenge experiments have been used in some studies to monitor membrane performance; however, additional work is necessary to determine if the operating conditions that minimize fouling also result in maximum removal of microbial contaminants by the membrane. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles that relevant operating conditions and water quality parameters play in the removal efficiency of viruses by a specific UF membrane. Includes 7 references, figures.