AWWA WQTC58926

Low-pressure membrane technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the treatment ofwater sources used for drinking purposes. These membranes are generally classified as eithermicrofiltration (MF) or ultrafiltration (UF). Although it is generally assumed that UF membranesprovide effective virus removal and MF membranes do not, these classifications do not accuratelydescribe their capabilities to remove a wide array of microorganisms. Nominal pore sizedesignations can also provide spurious interpretations of microbial removal efficacy. As a result, anAWWARF-funded study was undertaken to create a bench-scale methodology for characterizingmembranes based solely on their capability to remove a variety of microorganisms. The specificobjective of this study was to construct a bench-scale, low-pressure membrane filtration testing unit,and characterize low-pressure membranes based upon their capability to remove selectedmicroorganisms. Specifically, the impact of transmembrane pressure, viral loading on themembrane and reported membrane molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) or pore size on microbialremoval was evaluated. Specific materials and methods included: low-pressure membrane testing units and membrane modules; disinfection of experimental system; organisms used for bench-scale challenge experiments; microbial challenge experiments; determination of specific flux; and, analytical methods. Includes 6 references, table, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

11/02/2003

Number of Pages:

12

File Size:

1 file , 330 KB