Membrane autopsy as a sustainable management of fouling phenomena occurring in MF, UF and NF processes

Effect of surface morphology on membrane fouling by humic acid with the use of cellulose acetate butyrate hollow fiber membranes

“…Nevertheless, one of the serious problems arising during membrane filtration is membrane fouling by natural organic matter (NOM). Membrane fouling can cause an increase of hydraulic resistance and a flux decline, increase operation and maintenance costs, and shorten the membrane life [4][5][6][7].…”

Natural organic matter interactions with polyamide and polysulfone membranes: Formation of conditioning film

“…Although ubiquitous in aquatic environments, NOM characteristics can considerably vary from one water source to another [4,5]. Previous research has provided a deep insight on NOM-fouling phenomena (e.g., membrane cross-flow systems, morphological analysis, membrane autopsy), suggesting that NOM characteristics, feed water, and membrane surface properties are influential during fouling [6][7][8]. However, the introduction of atomic force microscopy (AFM), colloidal probe technique, and chemical force microscopy (CFM) has signified a crucial advance in our understanding of a key aspect of fouling: conditioning film formation (i.e., interfacial NOM-membrane interactions).…”

Towards integrated anti-microbial capabilities: Novel bio-fouling resistant membranes by high velocity embedment of silver particles

“…The uniqueness of each water stream renders the design of a universal anti-biofouling technique difficult and often water composition analysis [13][14][15] and membrane autopsies are required to understand fouling sources and mechanisms [16,17]. No conventional antifouling coatings have been found that are suitable due to poor adhesion of the anti-fouling layer or partial obstruction of the membrane pores.…”