| Abstract: | In this study, 0.22 μm hydrophobic GVHP membrane was challenged with host bacteria, Escherichia coli (ED 8656) and bacteriophage (λ wild type). For investigation of filtration mechanism, we employed blocking laws, which are based on the profiles of t/v versus time (t) and t/v versus volume (v). For prominent demonstrating the linearity, the profiles were reconstructed. When feed contained bacteriophage or a mixture of bacteriophages and host bacteria, the profiles indicated that at the beginning of the filtration, standard blocking (pore plugging) was the dominant mechanism. Over time the bacteriophages filled the pores and formed a cake layer on the membrane surface. The presence of bacteria facilitated the cake layer build up. Nevertheless the filtration mechanism started with pore blockage and ended with cake formation. The comparison of the present study with another research project carried out by the authors indicates that the removal mechanisms do not rely upon the interactions between microorganisms. However the details of cake layer specifications depend on the nature of the microorganisms and operating conditions. |
