AWWA WQTC69313

Natural organic matter (NOM) present in drinking water sources consists of a complex mixture of humic and fulvic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and polysaccharides. Identification of the specific fraction causing membrane fouling is critical with respect to selecting appropriate pretreatment prior to ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF). This research demonstrates that biofiltration pretreatment has the potential to substantially improve membrane performance by reducing the required transmembrane pressure (TMP) to achieve a preset flux. Seasonal impacts on biofiltration performance are also reported. In practice, the addition of biofiltration prior to UF will result in longer operating cycles between chemical cleanings, and therefore reduce operational costs. Overall, biofiltration pretreatment appears to have the potential to be a viable alternative to coagulation pretreatment for UF. Includes 9 references, tables, figure.