Polysilicato-iron for improved NOM removal and membrane performance

The natural organic matter (NOM) removal efficiency of polysilicato-iron (PSI) coagulants and the fouling potential of PSI pretreated waters have been studied using two microfiltration (MF) membrane types: polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF-2) and polypropylene (PP). The results showed that PSI coagulant with a Si/Fe ratio of 1 (PSI-1) was the most effective, compared to conventional coagulants, in removing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and in improving the fouling potential. A relative flux of unity through PVDF-2 membrane was achieved for both water sources pretreated with PSI-1.

Aluminium-based coagulants, particularly aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH), worked best at lower coagulant dose. Increasing the coagulant dose to improve DOC removal led to increased membrane fouling, possibly due to increased level of unsettleable flocs and pore blocking. For PSI with larger floc size, the advantage of increased DOC removal was not overridden by the adverse effect of pore blocking. In addition, the residual neutral fraction in the waters and/or the presence of a filter cake on the membrane surfaces seemed to have a limiting effect on the fouling rates through both PP and PVDF-2 membranes to the extent that similar rates were obtained, despite substantial differences in DOC removal.

In contrast, these limiting factors did not influence the fouling potential of PSI-1 treated waters through the PVDF-2 membrane, as suggested by the relative flux of unity for both water sources. It is suggested that the oxide deposits on the PVDF-2 membrane may act as a ‘screening layer’, acting as pre-filtration by the filter cake. This layer may be effectively removed by backwashing, together with deposited NOM, throughout the experiment to maintain the flux at unity. The hydrophobic nature of the PP membrane may discourage the deposition of the oxides, thus minimising the positive effects of the oxides in the system. The high removal of hydrophobic fractions by PSI-1 may also lead to less association between residual NOM and less binding to the membranes, particularly on the PVDF-2 membrane.