Analysis of Tubular NF Plants in Scotland Indicates That Summer Temperatures and Redox-Sensitive Elements Are Correlated with Membrane Biofouling and Shortened Useful Life.

ABSTRACT: We investigate the effects of seasonal variations in water composition and temperature on the performance of two full-scale drinking water treatment plants in Scotland, equipped with tubular cellulose acetate nanofiltration membranes. Multiple environmental and water quality parameters, recorded over a 4.5-year period, were correlated against membrane permeance, cleaning frequency, and useful life. Membrane autopsies enabled the characterization of the foulant composition. Temporal variations in temperature at plant X led to significant biofouling (manifested by permeance losses of 30-50%, and bacteria detected on the membrane surface) during the summer months, when water temperatures exceeded 20 °C and microbiological activity was highest. Plant Y, in contrast, displayed smaller seasonal

SUBMITTER: Davidkova DF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11555670 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature