The Blumenstein Family Water lnformation Center http:/ / gwri-ic.technion.ac.

il
The Stephen & Nancy Grand Water Research Institute http:/ / gwri.technion.ac.il

Characterization of membrane biofouling in nanofiltration
processes of wastewater treatment
H. Ivnitsky, I. Katz, D. Minz
*
, E. Shimoni, Y. Chene, J. Tarchitzky
**
, R. Semiat,
C.G. Dosoretz
*
Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan
**
Hebrew University, Rehovot
Desalination 185:1681-1694, 2005

Biofouling is a major impediment in reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF)
cross-flow processes. Due to the cross-flow component, feedwater microorganisms are
transported to the membrane surface where they adsorb, forming a fouling layer. Once
attached, the microorganisms grow and multiply at the expense of feedwater nutrients,
forming a biofouling layer that reduces permeate fluxes and damages the membrane.
Prefiltered secondary effluents and synthetic media simulating secondary effluents
were applied to study NF membrane biofouling using 120 cm
2
of polyamide tubular
membranes of 200 Da MWCO. After operation, the membranes were dismantled and
segmented into slices that were analyzed by spectroscopic, microscopic and molecular
techniques. Fully developed biofilm was found on the membranes. Biofouling appears
to be the predominant form of fouling composed of bacteria and extracellular
polymers, while the size and composition of biofilm population seem to be convergent
to a finite number.
Microbial populations identified by sequence homology corresponded
phylogenetically to Flavobacterium sp, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia and Cytophaga
regardless of the conditions applied. Microscopic observations revealed the presence
of protozoa as well. Bacterial counts in biofilm accounted for approx. 107 CFU cm
2
regardless of the feed applied. Although the biofouling layer over the membrane
reduced flux, biofouling development improved brine rejection (50-70%). FTIR
spectra of organic matter that accumulated on the NF membrane revealed the presence
of proteins and amino acids, as well as a high level of aliphatic and polysaccharide
residues.