Membrane pretreatment: A method for reducing fouling by natural organic matter

The prevention of fouling of polysulphone ultrafiltration membranes, used f or the purification of natural brown water, was investigated by pretreating the membranes prior to filtration. Polysulfone membranes were pretreated b y commercial nonionic surfactants Triton X-100 and Pluronic F108, Specific characterisation techniques, developed by Maartens et al, (1998) and Jucker and Clarke, (1994), were used to determine and compare the effects induced by the adsorption of natural organic matter on the permeability of untreat ed as well as surfactant treated capillary ultrafiltration membranes. The e xtent of foulant adsorption and the quality of the resultant permeate solut ions were determined by ultraviolet visible-light spectroscopy. The finding s of this investigation provides information of importance for the operatio n of future natural brown water ultrafiltration plants. (C) 2000 Academic P ress.