Fouling characterisation in PVDF membrane contactors for dissolved methane recovery from anaerobic effluents: effect of surface organofluorosilanisation.

ABSTRACT: Characterisation of the fouling attached to PVDF membranes treating an anaerobic effluent for dissolved CH₄ recovery was carried out. A commercial flat-sheet PVDF membrane and a PVDF functionalised by grafting of organofluorosilanes (mPVDF) that increased its hydrophobicity were subjected to a continuous flux of an anaerobic reactor effluent in long-term operation tests (> 800 h). The fouling cakes were studied by the membrane autopsy after these tests, combining a staining technique, FTIR, and FESEM-EDX, and the fouling extraction with water and NaOH solutions. Both organic and inorganic fouling were observed, and the main foulants were proteins, polysaccharides, and different calcium and phosphate salts. Also, a significant amount of live cells was detected on the fouling cake

SUBMITTER: Jimenez-Robles R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9995407 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature