A novel composite conductive microfiltration membrane and its anti-fouling performance with an external electric field in membrane bioreactors

• DOI: 10.1038/srep09268
• Publication Date: 2015-03-18T11:05:12Z
• Authors: Jian Huang; Zhiwei Wang; Junyao Zhang; Xingran Zhang; Jinxing Ma; Zhichao Wu
• Keywords: Membrane Fouling; Linear sweep voltammetry; Filtration (mathematics)

Abstract Membrane fouling remains an obstacle to wide-spread applications of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for wastewater treatment and reclamation. Herein, we report a simple method prepare composite conductive microfiltration (MF) by introducing stainless steel mesh into polymeric MF effectively control its applying external electric field. Linear sweep voltammetry electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses showed that this had very good properties. Batch tests demonstrated anti-fouling ability in filtration bovine serum albumin, sodium alginate, humic acid silicon dioxide particles as model foulants. The rate continuous-flow MBRs treating was also decreased about 50% with 2 V/cm field compared the test during long-term operation. enhanced electrostatic repulsive force between foulants membrane, in-situ cleaning H O generated from oxygen reduction production soluble microbial products extracellular substances contributed mitigation MBR. results study shed light on strategy achieving sustainable operation MBRs.