Enhanced permeation performance of biofiltration-facilitated gravity-driven membrane (GDM) systems by in-situ application of UV and VUV: Comprehensive insights from thermodynamic and multi-omics perspectives

Abstract

Biofouling is a major challenge limiting the practical application of biofiltration-facilitated gravity-driven membrane (GDM) systems in drinking water treatment. In this study, ultraviolet irradiation, including ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation, was used for in-situ purification of membrane tanks to control membrane biofouling. After using UV and VUV, the permeate flux increased significantly by 26.1% and 78.3%, respectively, which was mainly due to the decreased cake layer resistance (Rc). The permeability of the biofouling layer improved after UV and VUV application, as evidenced by the increased surface porosity and decreased thickness. The contents of loosely bound extracellular proteins (LB-PN) and tightly bound extracellular proteins (TB-PN) in the biofouling layer were reduced after UV and VUV irradiation. The decreased LB-PN and TB-PN improved the interfacial free energy between the fouling itself and between the fouling and the membrane, which contributed to the reduction of interfacial cohesion and adhesion, resulting in a looser and thinner biofouling layer and a cleaner membrane. The concentration of protein-like material in the membrane tank decreased after UV and VUV irradiation, significantly altering the bacterial community structure on the membrane surface (Mantel's r > 0.7, p < 0.05). The changes in the metabolic state were responsible for the differences in the LB-PN and TB-PN contents. The inhibition of “Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism” and “Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism” reduced amino acid biosynthesis, which restricted the secretion of LB-PN and TB-PN. Critical genera in the Proteobacteria phylum, such as Hirschia, Rhodobacter, Nordella, Candidatus_Berkiella, and Limnohabitans, were involved in metabolite transformation. Overall, the in-situ application of UV and VUV can be an effective alternative strategy to mitigate membrane biofouling, which would facilitate the practical application of biofiltration-facilitated GDM systems in drinking water treatment.