Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge membrane bioreactor (AGMBR) has been widely studied in recent years owing to its excellent wastewater treatment performance and antifouling property. However, the mechanisms of membrane fouling are lack of systematic and comprehensive elaboration. Here, the mechanisms of and distinctions between fouling of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes in an AGMBR were investigated. The nutrient-removal performances were excellent in both cases. Compared with the PVDF membrane, the PTFE membrane exhibited a better antifouling property, with a lower transmembrane-pressure growth rate (0.407 kPa/d). Moreover, the PTFE membrane had lower contents of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products, probably owing to the lower relative abundance of the class Gammaproteobacteria, which is the producer of EPS. Additionally, a thermomechanical analysis revealed that the energy barrier of the PTFE membrane–foulant (71.20 kT) was higher than that of the PVDF membrane–foulant (51.77 kT), confirming that the PTFE membrane had better antifouling performance. Overall, this study enhances the understanding of mechanisms of membrane fouling in an AGMBR and is conducive motivate large-scale applications of AGMBR technology.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
