Preface

Abstract

several techniques to conduct detailed investigations of fouling layers arising on four different NF membranes by treating two surface waters that differed substantially in major properties. Ion transport mechanisms in NF were systematically investigated by Park et al. (2010) who pointed out the importance of the influence of nano-coUoids. Application of model calculations to membrane processes is still a challenge but promising. Two papers dealt with this topic, both of which were carried out with submerged MF processes. Li et al. (2oiofc) used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to estimate the shear stress on the membrane while Erdei et al. (2010) employed an artiflcial neural network (ANN) to predict permeate quality and membrane fouling. In summary we are highly pleased to deliver a Theme Issue assembled with several high quality research papers covering a wide spectrum of different topics related to the production of potable water by membranes. We appreciate the contributions by the authors, reviewers, and editorial staff of IWA to this project and we would be pleased to receive comments and suggestions you may have about this Theme Issue.