Abstract
Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) is a technology that generates power via mixing two solutions having different salinity across a semipermeable membrane. Similar to other membrane-based technologies, PRO processes are prone to membrane biofouling. In this study, the effects of membrane and operational features on the membrane biofouling of a PRO process were investigated, through a comparison with those of a reverse osmosis process. Surface roughness, charge, and hydrophobicity affected the propensity of the biofilm formation on the support layer of the PRO membrane. Nevertheless, these physical and chemical properties could not sufficiently explain the rapid flux decline of the PRO unit under an enhanced biofouling condition. Water flow from the feed solution to the draw solution, and the structural property of the PRO membrane resulted in the accumulation of microorganisms in the support matrix of the PRO membrane, which contributed significantly to the flux decline propensity. The results suggested that the pretreatment of feed solution and/or new membrane fabrication are needed to minimize the access of microorganisms in the support matrix for reducing membrane biofouling in PRO.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 79-86 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Desalination and Water Treatment |
| Volume | 97 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 Nov 1 |
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Keywords
- Biofilm
- Biofouling
- Pressure retarded osmosis
- Reverse osmosis
- Support matrix
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Water Science and Technology
- Ocean Engineering
- Pollution
Cite this
Effects of membrane and operational features on biofouling in a pressure retarded osmosis process. / Kim, Taek Seung; Sun, Pengfei; Park, Yong Gyun; Park, Hee-Deung.
In: Desalination and Water Treatment, Vol. 97, 01.11.2017, p. 79-86.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Effects of membrane and operational features on biofouling in a pressure retarded osmosis process
AU - Kim, Taek Seung
AU - Sun, Pengfei
AU - Park, Yong Gyun
AU - Park, Hee-Deung
PY - 2017/11/1
Y1 - 2017/11/1
N2 - Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) is a technology that generates power via mixing two solutions having different salinity across a semipermeable membrane. Similar to other membrane-based technologies, PRO processes are prone to membrane biofouling. In this study, the effects of membrane and operational features on the membrane biofouling of a PRO process were investigated, through a comparison with those of a reverse osmosis process. Surface roughness, charge, and hydrophobicity affected the propensity of the biofilm formation on the support layer of the PRO membrane. Nevertheless, these physical and chemical properties could not sufficiently explain the rapid flux decline of the PRO unit under an enhanced biofouling condition. Water flow from the feed solution to the draw solution, and the structural property of the PRO membrane resulted in the accumulation of microorganisms in the support matrix of the PRO membrane, which contributed significantly to the flux decline propensity. The results suggested that the pretreatment of feed solution and/or new membrane fabrication are needed to minimize the access of microorganisms in the support matrix for reducing membrane biofouling in PRO.
AB - Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) is a technology that generates power via mixing two solutions having different salinity across a semipermeable membrane. Similar to other membrane-based technologies, PRO processes are prone to membrane biofouling. In this study, the effects of membrane and operational features on the membrane biofouling of a PRO process were investigated, through a comparison with those of a reverse osmosis process. Surface roughness, charge, and hydrophobicity affected the propensity of the biofilm formation on the support layer of the PRO membrane. Nevertheless, these physical and chemical properties could not sufficiently explain the rapid flux decline of the PRO unit under an enhanced biofouling condition. Water flow from the feed solution to the draw solution, and the structural property of the PRO membrane resulted in the accumulation of microorganisms in the support matrix of the PRO membrane, which contributed significantly to the flux decline propensity. The results suggested that the pretreatment of feed solution and/or new membrane fabrication are needed to minimize the access of microorganisms in the support matrix for reducing membrane biofouling in PRO.
KW - Biofilm
KW - Biofouling
KW - Pressure retarded osmosis
KW - Reverse osmosis
KW - Support matrix
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85040942473&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85040942473&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.5004/dwt.2017.21661
DO - 10.5004/dwt.2017.21661
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85040942473
VL - 97
SP - 79
EP - 86
JO - Desalination and Water Treatment
JF - Desalination and Water Treatment
SN - 1944-3994
ER -