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Lin W, Wang Q, Sun L, Wang D, Cabrera J, Li D, Hu L, Jiang G, Wang XM, Huang X. The critical role of feed spacer channel porosity in membrane biofouling: Insights and implications. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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2
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Review of New Approaches for Fouling Mitigation in Membrane Separation Processes in Water Treatment Applications. SEPARATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This review investigates antifouling agents used in the process of membrane separation (MS), in reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), microfiltration (MF), membrane distillation (MD), and membrane bioreactors (MBR), and clarifies the fouling mechanism. Membrane fouling is an incomplete substance formed on the membrane surface, which will quickly reduce the permeation flux and damage the membrane. Foulant is colloidal matter: organic matter (humic acid, protein, carbohydrate, nano/microplastics), inorganic matter (clay such as potassium montmorillonite, silica salt, metal oxide, etc.), and biological matter (viruses, bacteria and microorganisms adhering to the surface of the membrane in the case of nutrients) The stability and performance of the tested nanometric membranes, as well as the mitigation of pollution assisted by electricity and the cleaning and repair of membranes, are reported. Physical, chemical, physico-chemical, and biological methods for cleaning membranes. Biologically induced biofilm dispersion effectively controls fouling. Dynamic changes in membrane foulants during long-term operation are critical to the development and implementation of fouling control methods. Membrane fouling control strategies show that improving membrane performance is not only the end goal, but new ideas and new technologies for membrane cleaning and repair need to be explored and developed in order to develop future applications.
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Lin W, Zhang Y, Li D, Wang XM, Huang X. Roles and performance enhancement of feed spacer in spiral wound membrane modules for water treatment: A 20-year review on research evolvement. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117146. [PMID: 33945947 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Membrane technologies have been widely applied in water treatment, wastewater reclamation and seawater desalination. Feed spacer present in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules plays a pivotal role in creating flow channels, promoting fluid mixing and enhancing mass transfer. However, it induces the increase of feed channel pressure (FCP) drop and localized stagnant zones that provokes membrane fouling. For the first time, we comprehensively review the research evolvement on feed spacer in SWM modules for water treatment over the last 20 years, to reveal the impacts of feed spacer on the hydrodynamics and biofouling in the spacer-filled channel, and to discuss the potential approaches and current limitations for the modification of feed spacer. The research process can be divided into three phases, with research focus shifting from hydrodynamics in Phase Ⅰ (the year of 2001-2008), to biofouling in Phase Ⅱ (the year of 2009-2015), and then to novel spacer designs in Phase Ⅲ (the year of 2016-2020). The spacer configuration has a momentous impact on the hydraulic performance regarding flow velocity field, shear stress, mass transfer and FCP drop. Biofouling initially occurs on feed spacer, especially around spacer filaments and the contact zones with membrane surface, and ultimately degrades the overall membrane performance indicating the importance of controlling spacer biofouling. The modification of feed spacer is mainly achieved by altering surface chemistry or introducing novel configurations. However, the stability of spacer coating and the economy and practicality of 3D-printed spacer remain a predicament to be tackled. Future studies are suggested to focus on the standardization of testing conditions for spacer evaluation, the effect of hydrodynamics on membrane fouling control, the design and fabrication of novel feed spacer adaptable for SWM modules, the application of feed spacer for drinking water production, organic fouling control in spacer-filled channel and the role of permeate spacer on membrane performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Danyang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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4
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Matin A, Laoui T, Falath W, Farooque M. Fouling control in reverse osmosis for water desalination & reuse: Current practices & emerging environment-friendly technologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142721. [PMID: 33129530 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is becoming increasingly popular for seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation. However, fouling of the membranes adversely impacts the overall process efficiency and economics. To date, several strategies and approaches have been used in RO plants and investigated at the laboratory-scale for their effectiveness in the control of different fouling types. Amid growing concerns and stringent regulations for the conservation of environment, there is an increasing trend to identify technologies that are effective in fouling mitigation as well as friendly to the environment. The present review elaborates on the different types of environment-friendly technologies for membrane fouling control that are currently being used or under investigation. It commences with a brief introduction to the global water crisis and the potential of membrane-based processes in overcoming this problem. This is followed by a section on membrane fouling that briefly describes the major fouling types and their impact on the membrane performance. Section 3 discusses the predominant fouling control/prevention strategies including feedwater pretreatment, membrane and spacer surface modification and membrane cleaning. The currently employed techniques are discussed together with their drawbacks, with some light being shed on the emerging technologies that have the ability to overcome the current limitations. The penultimate section provides a detailed discussion on a variety of eco-friendly/chemical free techniques investigated to control different fouling types. These include both control and prevention strategies, for example, bioflocculation and electromagnetic fields, as well as remediation techniques such as osmotic backwashing and gas purging. In addition, quorum sensing has been specifically discussed for biofouling remediation. The promising findings from different studies are presented followed by a discussion on their drawbacks and limitations. The review concludes with a need for carrying out fundamental studies to develop better understanding of the eco-friendly processes discussed in the penultimate section and their optimization for possible integration into the RO plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Matin
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Environment & Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tahar Laoui
- Dept. of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Desalination Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Wail Falath
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Environment & Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Farooque
- Desalination Technologies Research Institute, Saline Water Conversion Corporation, Jubail, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Lin WC, Shao RP, Wang XM, Huang X. Impacts of non-uniform filament feed spacers characteristics on the hydraulic and anti-fouling performances in the spacer-filled membrane channels: Experiment and numerical simulation. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 185:116251. [PMID: 32771564 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Feed spacer is universally used in spiral-wound nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane modules. It can separate membrane sheets, create flow channels, promote turbulence and enhance mass transfer. However, it also induces increased pressure drop across the flow channel, and generates dead zones for biofilm growth at specific locations. Optimization of feed spacer geometries is highly desirable for energy saving and biofouling control. In this study, four kinds of commercial feed spacers featured with non-uniform filaments were compared in terms of hydraulic and anti-fouling performances. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were launched to give insights into the impacts of feed spacer characteristics on the flow field. Results show that the hydraulic performance was substantially affected by the number of filament layers (single or dual layer), the non-uniformity of filament diameter and the width of thinning zones. The design of single layer feed spacer of non-uniform filaments was not recommended due to high flow resistance and poor anti-fouling performance. The feed spacer structure of alternating filament diameter contributed to reducing dead zones and alleviating membrane fouling. The thinning zones located adjacent to the filament junctions achieved better anti-fouling performance, as it disturbed the dead zones and partially washed away the deposited foulants. This study demonstrates for the first time that the characteristics of non-uniform filament feed spacer had a crucial impact on the hydraulic and anti-fouling performances, and suggests that more emphasis should be laid on number of filament layers, variation of filament diameter and width and positioning of thinning zones for the optimization of feed spacer geometries in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chen Lin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Rui-Peng Shao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Siebdrath N, Farhat N, Ding W, Kruithof J, Vrouwenvelder JS. Impact of membrane biofouling in the sequential development of performance indicators: Feed channel pressure drop, permeability, and salt rejection. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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7
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Alayande AB, Park HD, Vrouwenvelder JS, Kim IS. Implications of Chemical Reduction Using Hydriodic Acid on the Antimicrobial Properties of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide Membranes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1901023. [PMID: 31148406 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201901023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial properties of graphene-based membranes such as single-layer graphene oxide (GO) and modified graphene oxide (rGO) on top of cellulose ester membrane are reported in this study. rGO membranes are made from GO by hydriodic acid (HI) vapor treatment. The antibacterial properties are tested after 3 h contact time with selected model bacteria. Complete bacterial cell inactivation is found only after contact with rGO membranes, while no significant bacterial inactivation is found for the control i) GO membrane, ii) the mixed cellulose ester support, and the iii) rGO membrane after additional washing that removes the remaining HI. This indicates that the antimicrobial effect is neither caused by the graphene nor the membrane support. The antimicrobial effect is found to be conclusively linked to the HI eliminating microbial growth, at concentrations from 0.005%. These findings emphasize the importance of caution in the reporting of antimicrobial properties of graphene-based surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abayomi Babatunde Alayande
- Global Desalination Research Center (GDRC), School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Hee-Deung Park
- School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - In S Kim
- Global Desalination Research Center (GDRC), School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
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8
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Mohanraj G, Mao C, Armine A, Kasher R, Arnusch CJ. Ink-Jet Printing-Assisted Modification on Polyethersulfone Membranes Using a UV-Reactive Antimicrobial Peptide for Fouling-Resistant Surfaces. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:8752-8759. [PMID: 31459007 PMCID: PMC6644663 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for surface coatings to control biofilm growth on water treatment membranes because of their broad activity and the low tendency of bacteria to develop resistance to AMPs. However, general and convenient surface modification methods are limited, and a deeper understanding of the antimicrobial mechanism of action is needed for surface-attached AMPs. Here, we show a method for covalently attaching AMPs on porous ultrafiltration membranes using ink-jet printing and provide insight into the mode of action for the covalently tethered peptide RWRWRWA-(Bpa) (Bpa, 4-benzophenylalanine) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AMP-coated ultrafiltration membranes showed surface antibacterial activity and reduced biofilm growth. Fluorescence microscopy analysis revealed that the modified surfaces could cause cell membrane disruption, which was seen by live uptake of propidium iodide stain, and scanning electron microscopy images showed compromised cell membranes of attached bacteria. This study indicated that the mode of action of covalently tethered AMPs was similar to that of freely soluble AMPs. The deeper understanding of the mode of action of AMPs covalently attached to surfaces could lead to a more rational approach for designing surfaces with antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunasekaran Mohanraj
- Department
of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute
for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, and Microalgal Biotechnology
Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology
of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet
Ben Gurion 84990, Israel
| | - Canwei Mao
- Department
of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute
for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, and Microalgal Biotechnology
Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology
of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet
Ben Gurion 84990, Israel
| | - Asatryan Armine
- Department
of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute
for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, and Microalgal Biotechnology
Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology
of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet
Ben Gurion 84990, Israel
| | - Roni Kasher
- Department
of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute
for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, and Microalgal Biotechnology
Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology
of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet
Ben Gurion 84990, Israel
| | - Christopher J. Arnusch
- Department
of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute
for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, and Microalgal Biotechnology
Laboratory, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology
of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Midreshet
Ben Gurion 84990, Israel
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9
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10
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A Short Review of Membrane Fouling in Forward Osmosis Processes. MEMBRANES 2017; 7:membranes7020030. [PMID: 28604649 PMCID: PMC5489864 DOI: 10.3390/membranes7020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Interest in forward osmosis (FO) research has rapidly increased in the last decade due to problems of water and energy scarcity. FO processes have been used in many applications, including wastewater reclamation, desalination, energy production, fertigation, and food and pharmaceutical processing. However, the inherent disadvantages of FO, such as lower permeate water flux compared to pressure driven membrane processes, concentration polarisation (CP), reverse salt diffusion, the energy consumption of draw solution recovery and issues of membrane fouling have restricted its industrial applications. This paper focuses on the fouling phenomena of FO processes in different areas, including organic, inorganic and biological categories, for better understanding of this long-standing issue in membrane processes. Furthermore, membrane fouling monitoring and mitigation strategies are reviewed.
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11
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Boltz JP, Smets BF, Rittmann BE, van Loosdrecht MCM, Morgenroth E, Daigger GT. From biofilm ecology to reactors: a focused review. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2017; 75:1753-1760. [PMID: 28452767 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex biostructures that appear on all surfaces that are regularly in contact with water. They are structurally complex, dynamic systems with attributes of primordial multicellular organisms and multifaceted ecosystems. The presence of biofilms may have a negative impact on the performance of various systems, but they can also be used beneficially for the treatment of water (defined herein as potable water, municipal and industrial wastewater, fresh/brackish/salt water bodies, groundwater) as well as in water stream-based biological resource recovery systems. This review addresses the following three topics: (1) biofilm ecology, (2) biofilm reactor technology and design, and (3) biofilm modeling. In so doing, it addresses the processes occurring in the biofilm, and how these affect and are affected by the broader biofilm system. The symphonic application of a suite of biological methods has led to significant advances in the understanding of biofilm ecology. New metabolic pathways, such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) or complete ammonium oxidation (comammox) were first observed in biofilm reactors. The functions, properties, and constituents of the biofilm extracellular polymeric substance matrix are somewhat known, but their exact composition and role in the microbial conversion kinetics and biochemical transformations are still to be resolved. Biofilm grown microorganisms may contribute to increased metabolism of micro-pollutants. Several types of biofilm reactors have been used for water treatment, with current focus on moving bed biofilm reactors, integrated fixed-film activated sludge, membrane-supported biofilm reactors, and granular sludge processes. The control and/or beneficial use of biofilms in membrane processes is advancing. Biofilm models have become essential tools for fundamental biofilm research and biofilm reactor engineering and design. At the same time, the divergence between biofilm modeling and biofilm reactor modeling approaches is recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljøvej 113, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland and Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Glen T Daigger
- University of Michigan, 1351 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA E-mail:
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12
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Siddiqui A, Lehmann S, Bucs SS, Fresquet M, Fel L, Prest EIEC, Ogier J, Schellenberg C, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kruithof JC, Vrouwenvelder JS. Predicting the impact of feed spacer modification on biofouling by hydraulic characterization and biofouling studies in membrane fouling simulators. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 110:281-287. [PMID: 28027527 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Feed spacers are an essential part of spiral-wound reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane modules. Geometric modification of feed spacers is a potential option to reduce the impact of biofouling on the performance of membrane systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biofouling potential of two commercially available reference feed spacers and four modified feed spacers. The spacers were compared on hydraulic characterization and in biofouling studies with membrane fouling simulators (MFSs). The virgin feed spacer was characterized hydraulically by their resistance, measured in terms of feed channel pressure drop, performed by operating MFSs at varying feed water flow rates. Short-term (9 days) biofouling studies were carried out with nutrient dosage to the MFS feed water to accelerate the biofouling rate. Long-term (96 days) biofouling studies were done without nutrient dosage to the MFS feed water. Feed channel pressure drop was monitored and accumulation of active biomass was quantified by adenosine tri phosphate (ATP) determination. The six feed spacers were ranked on pressure drop (hydraulic characterization) and on biofouling impact (biofouling studies). Significantly different trends in hydraulic resistance and biofouling impact for the six feed spacers were observed. The same ranking for biofouling impact on the feed spacers was found for the (i) short-term biofouling study with nutrient dosage and the (ii) long-term biofouling study without nutrient dosage. The ranking for hydraulic resistance for six virgin feed spacers differed significantly from the ranking of the biofouling impact, indicating that hydraulic resistance of clean feed spacers does not predict the hydraulic resistance of biofouled feed spacers. Better geometric design of feed spacers can be a suitable approach to minimize impact of biofouling in spiral wound membrane systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Siddiqui
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - S Lehmann
- LANXESS BU Liquid Purification Technologies, R&D Membranes, 06803, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany.
| | - Sz S Bucs
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - M Fresquet
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - L Fel
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - E I E C Prest
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - J Ogier
- LANXESS BU Liquid Purification Technologies, R&D Membranes, 06803, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany.
| | - C Schellenberg
- LANXESS BU Liquid Purification Technologies, R&D Membranes, 06803, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany.
| | - M C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - J C Kruithof
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
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13
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Spatial heterogeneity of biofouling under different cross-flow velocities in reverse osmosis membrane systems. J Memb Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2016.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Haidari AH, Heijman SGJ, van der Meer WGJ. Visualization of hydraulic conditions inside the feed channel of Reverse Osmosis: A practical comparison of velocity between empty and spacer-filled channel. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 106:232-241. [PMID: 27723481 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that our understanding about the membrane process increases by investigation of the hydraulic conditions of membranes. While numerical studies have been broadly used for this purpose, the experimental studies of a comparable resolution are scarce. In this study, we compared the pressure drop, the temporal and the spatial velocity maps of a spacer-filled channel and an empty channel of the same size to determine the effect of presence of the feeds spacer on hydraulic conditions. The velocity maps are obtained experimentally by using of the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. Application of the feed spacer caused 2-8.5 higher pressure drop increase in the experimental conditions in this research. The flow had a spatial distribution in the form of a unimodal symmetric curve of normal distribution in the empty channel and a bimodal asymmetric curve in the spacer-filled channel. The bimodal curve indicates the presence of high- and low-velocity zones. Additionally, the low-velocity zones showed also a lower variation of velocity in time, which indicates the high fouling potential of these locations. The results from this study may be uses for validation of numerical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Haidari
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Stevinweg 01, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - S G J Heijman
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Stevinweg 01, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - W G J van der Meer
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Stevinweg 01, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands; Oasen NV, P.O. Box 122, 2800 AC, Gouda, The Netherlands
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15
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Belila A, El-Chakhtoura J, Otaibi N, Muyzer G, Gonzalez-Gil G, Saikaly PE, van Loosdrecht MCM, Vrouwenvelder JS. Bacterial community structure and variation in a full-scale seawater desalination plant for drinking water production. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 94:62-72. [PMID: 26925544 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial processes inevitably play a role in membrane-based desalination plants, mainly recognized as membrane biofouling. We assessed the bacterial community structure and diversity during different treatment steps in a full-scale seawater desalination plant producing 40,000 m(3)/d of drinking water. Water samples were taken over the full treatment train consisting of chlorination, spruce media and cartridge filters, de-chlorination, first and second pass reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and final chlorine dosage for drinking water distribution. The water samples were analyzed for water quality parameters (total bacterial cell number, total organic carbon, conductivity, pH, etc.) and microbial community composition by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The planktonic microbial community was dominated by Proteobacteria (48.6%) followed by Bacteroidetes (15%), Firmicutes (9.3%) and Cyanobacteria (4.9%). During the pretreatment step, the spruce media filter did not impact the bacterial community composition dominated by Proteobacteria. In contrast, the RO and final chlorination treatment steps reduced the Proteobacterial relative abundance in the produced water where Firmicutes constituted the most dominant bacterial group. Shannon and Chao1 diversity indices showed that bacterial species richness and diversity decreased during the seawater desalination process. The two-stage RO filtration strongly reduced the water conductivity (>99%), TOC concentration (98.5%) and total bacterial cell number (>99%), albeit some bacterial DNA was found in the water after RO filtration. About 0.25% of the total bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were present in all stages of the desalination plant: the seawater, the RO permeates and the chlorinated drinking water, suggesting that these bacterial strains can survive in different environments such as high/low salt concentration and with/without residual disinfectant. These bacterial strains were not caused by contamination during water sample filtration or from DNA extraction protocols. Control measurements for sample contamination are important for clean water studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Belila
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - J El-Chakhtoura
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - N Otaibi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - G Muyzer
- Microbial Systems Ecology, Department of Aquatic Microbiology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Gonzalez-Gil
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - P E Saikaly
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - M C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
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16
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Siddiqui A, Farhat N, Bucs SS, Linares RV, Picioreanu C, Kruithof JC, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kidwell J, Vrouwenvelder JS. Development and characterization of 3D-printed feed spacers for spiral wound membrane systems. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 91:55-67. [PMID: 26773488 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Feed spacers are important for the impact of biofouling on the performance of spiral-wound reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane systems. The objective of this study was to propose a strategy for developing, characterizing, and testing of feed spacers by numerical modeling, three-dimensional (3D) printing of feed spacers and experimental membrane fouling simulator (MFS) studies. The results of numerical modeling on the hydrodynamic behavior of various feed spacer geometries suggested that the impact of spacers on hydrodynamics and biofouling can be improved. A good agreement was found for the modeled and measured relationship between linear flow velocity and pressure drop for feed spacers with the same geometry, indicating that modeling can serve as the first step in spacer characterization. An experimental comparison study of a feed spacer currently applied in practice and a 3D printed feed spacer with the same geometry showed (i) similar hydrodynamic behavior, (ii) similar pressure drop development with time and (iii) similar biomass accumulation during MFS biofouling studies, indicating that 3D printing technology is an alternative strategy for development of thin feed spacers with a complex geometry. Based on the numerical modeling results, a modified feed spacer with low pressure drop was selected for 3D printing. The comparison study of the feed spacer from practice and the modified geometry 3D printed feed spacer established that the 3D printed spacer had (i) a lower pressure drop during hydrodynamic testing, (ii) a lower pressure drop increase in time with the same accumulated biomass amount, indicating that modifying feed spacer geometries can reduce the impact of accumulated biomass on membrane performance. The combination of numerical modeling of feed spacers and experimental testing of 3D printed feed spacers is a promising strategy (rapid, low cost and representative) to develop advanced feed spacers aiming to reduce the impact of biofilm formation on membrane performance and to improve the cleanability of spiral-wound NF and RO membrane systems. The proposed strategy may also be suitable to develop spacers in e.g. forward osmosis (FO), reverse electrodialysis (RED), membrane distillation (MD), and electrodeionisation (EDI) membrane systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Siddiqui
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadia Farhat
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Szilárd S Bucs
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rodrigo Valladares Linares
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Cristian Picioreanu
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Joop C Kruithof
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - James Kidwell
- Conwed Plastics, 2810 Weeks Ave SE, Minneapolis 55414, USA
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
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17
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Fridjonsson E, Vogt S, Vrouwenvelder J, Johns M. Early non-destructive biofouling detection in spiral wound RO membranes using a mobile earth׳s field NMR. J Memb Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2015.03.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Gazzola G, Habimana O, Murphy CD, Casey E. Comparison of biomass detachment from biofilms of two different Pseudomonas spp. under constant shear conditions. BIOFOULING 2015; 31:13-18. [PMID: 25563340 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2014.990962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the context of biofilm development, detachment is of practical importance when placed in a biofilm management perspective. The objective of the present study was to examine biofilm structure and biofilm detachment under controlled conditions for two distinct microorganisms grown under constant shear conditions. Detached biofilm biomass was regularly collected and analysed over the course of 72 h biofilm growth by Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas fluorescens cells, and biofilm structural development assessed using confocal microscopy. The two Pseudomonas spp., which had very similar specific growth rates in planktonic culture, presented notably different characteristics in terms of biofilm morphology but their detachment behaviours over time were very similar. These findings underline the intrinsic complexity of the detachment phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Gazzola
- a UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
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Al Ashhab A, Gillor O, Herzberg M. Biofouling of reverse-osmosis membranes under different shear rates during tertiary wastewater desalination: microbial community composition. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 67:86-95. [PMID: 25262553 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the influence of feed-water shear rate during reverse-osmosis (RO) desalination on biofouling with respect to microbial community composition developed on the membrane surface. The RO membrane biofilm's microbial community profile was elucidated during desalination of tertiary wastewater effluent in a flat-sheet lab-scale system operated under high (555.6 s(-1)), medium (370.4 s(-1)), or low (185.2 s(-1)) shear rates, corresponding to average velocities of 27.8, 18.5, and 9.3 cm s(-1), respectively. Bacterial diversity was highest when medium shear was applied (Shannon-Weaver diversity index H' = 4.30 ± 0.04) compared to RO-membrane biofilm developed under lower and higher shear rates (H' = 3.80 ± 0.26 and H' = 3.42 ± 0.38, respectively). At the medium shear rate, RO-membrane biofilms were dominated by Betaproteobacteria, whereas under lower and higher shear rates, the biofilms were dominated by Alpha- and Gamma- Proteobacteria, and the latter biofilms also contained Deltaproteobacteria. Bacterial abundance on the RO membrane was higher at low and medium shear rates compared to the high shear rate: 8.97 × 10(8) ± 1.03 × 10(3), 4.70 × 10(8) ± 1.70 × 10(3) and 5.72 × 10(6) ± 2.09 × 10(3) copy number per cm(2), respectively. Interestingly, at the high shear rate, the RO-membrane biofilm's bacterial community consisted mainly of populations known to excrete high amounts of extracellular polymeric substances. Our results suggest that the RO-membrane biofilm's community composition, structure and abundance differ in accordance with applied shear rate. These results shed new light on the biofouling phenomenon and are important for further development of antibiofouling strategies for RO membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Al Ashhab
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 84990, Israel.
| | - Osnat Gillor
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 84990, Israel.
| | - Moshe Herzberg
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 84990, Israel.
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20
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Bucs SS, Valladares Linares R, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kruithof JC, Vrouwenvelder JS. Impact of organic nutrient load on biomass accumulation, feed channel pressure drop increase and permeate flux decline in membrane systems. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 67:227-242. [PMID: 25282091 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The influence of organic nutrient load on biomass accumulation (biofouling) and pressure drop development in membrane filtration systems was investigated. Nutrient load is the product of nutrient concentration and linear flow velocity. Biofouling - excessive growth of microbial biomass in membrane systems - hampers membrane performance. The influence of biodegradable organic nutrient load on biofouling was investigated at varying (i) crossflow velocity, (ii) nutrient concentration, (iii) shear, and (iv) feed spacer thickness. Experimental studies were performed with membrane fouling simulators (MFSs) containing a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane and a 31 mil thick feed spacer, commonly applied in practice in RO and nanofiltration (NF) spiral-wound membrane modules. Numerical modeling studies were done with identical feed spacer geometry differing in thickness (28, 31 and 34 mil). Additionally, experiments were done applying a forward osmosis (FO) membrane with varying spacer thickness (28, 31 and 34 mil), addressing the permeate flux decline and biofilm development. Assessed were the development of feed channel pressure drop (MFS studies), permeate flux (FO studies) and accumulated biomass amount measured by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and total organic carbon (TOC). Our studies showed that the organic nutrient load determined the accumulated amount of biomass. The same amount of accumulated biomass was found at constant nutrient load irrespective of linear flow velocity, shear, and/or feed spacer thickness. The impact of the same amount of accumulated biomass on feed channel pressure drop and permeate flux was influenced by membrane process design and operational conditions. Reducing the nutrient load by pretreatment slowed-down the biofilm formation. The impact of accumulated biomass on membrane performance was reduced by applying a lower crossflow velocity and/or a thicker and/or a modified geometry feed spacer. The results indicate that cleanings can be delayed but are unavoidable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sz S Bucs
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - R Valladares Linares
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - M C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - J C Kruithof
- Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
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21
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Zhang Q, Jie YW, Loong WLC, Zhang J, Fane AG, Kjelleberg S, Rice SA, McDougald D. Characterization of biofouling in a lab-scale forward osmosis membrane bioreactor (FOMBR). WATER RESEARCH 2014; 58:141-151. [PMID: 24751548 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Forward osmosis membrane bioreactors (FOMBR) provide high quality permeate, however the propensity for membrane biofouling in FOMBRs is unknown. Here, FOMBRs were operated under high and low aeration and the membrane-associated biofilms were characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and rRNA gene-tagged pyrosequencing. CLSM images revealed that there was little biofilm formed under high aeration, while thick biofilms were observed on the membranes operated under low aeration. The diversity and richness of bacterial and archaeal communities as assessed by pyrosequencing varied under high and low aeration. The composition of the bacterial suspended sludge communities and the sessile biomass on the membrane surface, as assessed by non-metric multidimensional scaling, was significantly different under high aeration, but was more similar under low aeration. SIMPER analysis indicated that Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and Fluviicola preferentially attached to the membrane. The results presented here provide a comprehensive understanding of membrane biofouling in FOMBRs, which is essential for the development of effective control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyun Zhang
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Yap Wei Jie
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Winson Lay Chee Loong
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Anthony G Fane
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Scott A Rice
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Diane McDougald
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Singapore; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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22
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Evaluation of zosteric acid for mitigating biofilm formation of Pseudomonas putida isolated from a membrane bioreactor system. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:9497-518. [PMID: 24879523 PMCID: PMC4100106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15069497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study provides data to define an efficient biocide-free strategy based on zosteric acid to counteract biofilm formation on the membranes of submerged bioreactor system plants. 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis showed that gammaproteobacteria was the prevalent taxa on fouled membranes of an Italian wastewater plant. Pseudomonas was the prevalent genus among the cultivable membrane-fouler bacteria and Pseudomonas putida was selected as the target microorganism to test the efficacy of the antifoulant. Zosteric acid was not a source of carbon and energy for P. putida cells and, at 200 mg/L, it caused a reduction of bacterial coverage by 80%. Biofilm experiments confirmed the compound caused a significant decrease in biomass (−97%) and thickness (−50%), and it induced a migration activity of the peritrichous flagellated P. putida over the polycarbonate surface not amenable to a biofilm phenotype. The low octanol-water partitioning coefficient and the high water solubility suggested a low bioaccumulation potential and the water compartment as its main environmental recipient and capacitor. Preliminary ecotoxicological tests did not highlight direct toxicity effects toward Daphnia magna. For green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata an effect was observed at concentrations above 100 mg/L with a significant growth of protozoa that may be connected to a concurrent algal growth inhibition.
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Dreszer C, Flemming HC, Zwijnenburg A, Kruithof JC, Vrouwenvelder JS. Impact of biofilm accumulation on transmembrane and feed channel pressure drop: effects of crossflow velocity, feed spacer and biodegradable nutrient. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 50:200-211. [PMID: 24374131 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation causes performance loss in spiral-wound membrane systems. In this study a microfiltration membrane was used in experiments to simulate fouling in spiral-wound reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane modules without the influence of concentration polarization. The resistance of a microfiltration membrane is much lower than the intrinsic biofilm resistance, enabling the detection of biofilm accumulation in an early stage. The impact of biofilm accumulation on the transmembrane (biofilm) resistance and feed channel pressure drop as a function of the crossflow velocity (0.05 and 0.20 m s(-1)) and feed spacer presence was studied in transparent membrane biofouling monitors operated at a permeate flux of 20 L m(-2) h(-1). As biodegradable nutrient, acetate was dosed to the feed water (1.0 and 0.25 mg L(-1) carbon) to enhance biofilm accumulation in the monitors. The studies showed that biofilm formation caused an increased transmembrane resistance and feed channel pressure drop. The effect was strongest at the highest crossflow velocity (0.2 m s(-1)) and in the presence of a feed spacer. Simulating conditions as currently applied in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis installations (crossflow velocity 0.2 m s(-1) and standard feed spacer) showed that the impact of biofilm formation on performance, in terms of transmembrane and feed channel pressure drop, was strong. This emphasized the importance of hydrodynamics and feed spacer design. Biomass accumulation was related to the nutrient load (nutrient concentration and linear flow velocity). Reducing the nutrient concentration of the feed water enabled the application of higher crossflow velocities. Pretreatment to remove biodegradable nutrient and removal of biomass from the membrane elements played an important part to prevent or restrict biofouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dreszer
- Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands; Biofilm Centre, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - H-C Flemming
- Biofilm Centre, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - A Zwijnenburg
- Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - J C Kruithof
- Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands; King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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26
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Marcus IM, Herzberg M, Walker SL, Freger V. Pseudomonas aeruginosa attachment on QCM-D sensors: the role of cell and surface hydrophobicities. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2012; 28:6396-402. [PMID: 22439703 DOI: 10.1021/la300333c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
While biofilms are ubiquitous in nature, the mechanism by which they form is still poorly understood. This study investigated the process by which bacteria deposit and, shortly after, attach irreversibly to surfaces by reorienting to create a stronger interaction, which leads to biofilm formation. A model for attachment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was developed using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) technology, along with a fluorescent microscope and camera to monitor kinetics of adherence of the cells over time. In this model, the interaction differs depending on the force that dominates between the viscous, inertial, and elastic loads. P. aeruginosa, grown to the midexponential growth phase (hydrophilic) and stationary phase (hydrophobic) and two different surfaces, silica (SiO(2)) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which are hydrophilic and hydrophobic, respectively, were used to test the model. The bacteria deposited on both of the sensor surfaces, though on the silica surface the cells reached a steady state where there was no net increase in deposition of bacteria, while the quantity of cells depositing on the PVDF surface continued to increase until the end of the experiments. The change in frequency and dissipation per cell were both positive for each overtone (n), except when the cells and surface are both hydrophilic. In the model three factors, specifically, viscous, inertial, and elastic loads, contribute to the change in frequency and dissipation at each overtone when a cell deposits on a sensor. On the basis of the model, hydrophobic cells were shown to form an elastic connection to either surface, with an increase of elasticity at higher overtones. At lower overtones, hydrophilic cells depositing on the hydrophobic surface were shown to also be elastic, but as the overtone increases the connection between the cells and sensor becomes more viscoelastic. In the case of hydrophilic cells interacting with the hydrophilic surface, the connection is viscous at each overtone measured. It could be inferred that the transformation of the viscoelasticity of the cell-surface connection is due to changes in the orientation of the cells to the surface, which allow the bacteria to attach irreversibly and begin biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Marcus
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Riverside, Bourns Hall B355, Riverside, California 92521, USA
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Shrout JD, Nerenberg R. Monitoring bacterial twitter: does quorum sensing determine the behavior of water and wastewater treatment biofilms? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:1995-2005. [PMID: 22296043 DOI: 10.1021/es203933h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria have their own form of "twitter" communication, described as quorum sensing (QS), where bacteria emit and sense chemical signal molecules as a means to gauge population density and control gene expression. Many QS-controlled genes relate to biofilm formation and function and may be important for some water and wastewater treatment biofilms. There is a need to better understand bacterial QS, the bacteria biofilm aspects influenced by QS in engineered reactors, and to assess how designs and operations might be improved by taking this signaling into account. This paper provides a critical review of QS and how it relates to biofilms in engineered water and wastewater treatment systems and identifies needs for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Shrout
- Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States.
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Cell adhesion and related fouling mechanism on a tubular ceramic microfiltration membrane using Bacillus cereus spores. J Memb Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2011.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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