AWWA WQTC58996

Bench-scale screening tests of nanofiltration (NF) membranes were conducted to assess the efficacy of NF for removal of target organic solutes from conventionally treated surface water. The performance of each membrane was evaluated at recoveries of 50 to 95%, at a constant permeate flux of 19 gfd. Total organic carbon (TOC) rejection was 92 to 95% for Filmtec NF 90 and NF 270 membranes but substantially lower for NTR 7450. Disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursor rejection was highest for NF 90 (86- 90%) and lowest for NTR 7450. NF 90 produced rejections of microcystin, geosmin, and MIB exceeding 97, 95, and 91% for all recoveries; however, geosmin and MIB passage through NTR 7450 was 78% or greater for all recoveries. The bench scale results can be used to distinguish between the performance capabilities of NF membranes and guide membrane selection for pilot plant testing. Includes 9 references, tables, figures.