Abstract
Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) have been described as a class of particulate acidic polysaccharides, which are commonly found in various surface waters. Due to their unique physicochemical characteristics, they have recently been receiving increasing attention on their effects in water treatment. Currently, TEP are commonly known as clear, gel-like polysaccharides. This review first introduced the definition of TEP in water treatment and the relationship between TEP and algal organic matter (AOM). Further, in the review, the authors attempt to offer a holistic view and critical analysis concerning the research on TEPs in source water reservoirs, water plants and membrane treatment processes. It was clearly demonstrated in this review that the formation of TEP in source water reservoirs is largely related to water quality and phytoplankton, and the seasonal water stratification may indirectly affect the formation of TEP. In the waterworks, the relationship between TEP and water treatment process is mutual and there is limited research on this relationship. Finally, the mechanism of TEP-induced membrane fouling and the effect of alleviating TEP-induced membrane fouling is discussed in this review. The TEP removed by ultrafiltration can be recombined after membrane, and the recombination mechanism may be an important way to reduce reverse osmosis membrane contamination.
Highlights
The development, definition, formation and determination of Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) in recent years has been reviewed by Meng et al [13]; this study aims to offer an holistic view and critical analysis concerning the research on TEPs in source water reservoirs, water plants and membrane treatment processes
TEP are commonly known as clear, gel-like polysaccharides have been commonly found in feed water and in different water treatment processes
TEP can be used as an important characterization method to study algal organic matter (AOM) in natural water due to special chemical properties in TEP
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. TEPs provide an abiotic pathway for the transformation of DOM to POM and connect the dissolved substance and granular substance pool in water [11]. The relevance of TEPs as a special form of AOM has been recognised in existing studies, there is still a lack of in-depth research on the development, migration and transformation of TEPs in freshwater systems, in drinking water treatment, resulting in TEP not being taken into account in the design and operation of water treatment. The development, definition, formation and determination of TEP in recent years has been reviewed by Meng et al [13]; this study aims to offer an holistic view and critical analysis concerning the research on TEPs in source water reservoirs, water plants and membrane treatment processes
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