Role of Reverse Divalent Cation Diffusion in Forward Osmosis Biofouling

Analysis of Metal-Organic Framework and Polyamide Interfaces in Membranes for Water Treatment and Antibacterial Applications

Integrating biocidal nanoparticles (NPs) into polyamide (PA) membranes shows promise for enhancing resistance to biofouling. Incorporating techniques can tailor thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for specific water purification applications. In this study, silver-based metal-organic framework Ag-MOFs (using silver nitrate and 1,3,5-benzentricarboxylic acid as precursors) are incorporated into PA membranes via three different methods: i) incorporation, ii) dip-coating, and iii) in situ ultrasonic techniques. The characterizations, such as top-surface and cross-section scanning and transmission microscopy, reveal that the incorporation methods for the modified TFN membranes substantially control morphology and surface characteristics. For example, the in situ ultrasonically interlayered Ag-MOFs showed the largest pores (average pore diameter of 14 Å ± 0.1), resulting in the highest water permeance (water flux of 10.9 LMH/bar for Na2SO4). It also show superior antifouling and anti-biofouling performance, with a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 94.1% in both fouling tests due to its improved surface hydrophilicity and the antibacterial properties of incorporated Ag-MOFs. Conversely, the surface-grafted dip-coated Ag-MOFs offered the highest salt rejection, attributed to its highly negatively charged surface and a dense PA network with narrow pores (average pore diameter of 10 Å ± 0.06).

Black odorous water concentrating by forward osmosis: rejection performance of characteristic pollutants based on cation exchange

This study aimed to investigate pollutant concentration and nitrogen interception characteristics of a forward osmosis (FO) process for concentrating black odorous water. The membrane cell was operated in active layer facing feed solution (AL-FS) mode with aquaporin (AQP) as the membrane material and NaCl solution as the draw solution (DS). The organic pollutants (COD), TP, NH+4-N, NO-3-N, TN, Fe and Mn in black odorous water were concentrated non-intermittently for 24 h, and their interception characteristics were investigated. The results showed that the average interception rates of COD, TP, NO- 3-N, TN, Fe and Mn were 97.2%, 98.0%, 58.7%, 54.3%, 61.8% and 60.0%, respectively, while the average interception rate of NH+4-N was only 1.27%-3.47%. To explore the characteristics of nitrogen interception, a comparison was conducted between AQP membrane and thin film composite (TFC) membrane. Because the surface electronegativity of AQP membrane was stronger than that of TFC, the effect of cation exchange on ammonia nitrogen interception was more serious with AQP membrane. With NaCl solution as DS, the reverse osmosis flux of Na+ was (0.53 ± 0.02 mol·m-2·h-1), which was significantly higher than that of Cl- (0.29 ± 0.03 mol·m-2·h-1) (P < 0.05). The interception effect of AQP membrane on TN was related to the proportion of NH+4-N in TN. The pretreatment of black odorous water by aeration could transform part of NH+4-N into NO-3-N, and reduce the negative effect of cation exchange effect on nitrogen interception. The TN interception rate increased from 54.3% to 66.1%.

Effect of EPS production on the performance of membrane-based biofilm reactors

This study explored the effect of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production on the performance of membrane-based biofilm reactors. Changing EPS production was induced by eliminating one of the main EPS polysaccharides, i.e., Pel. The studies were carried out using a pure culture of either Pseudomonas aeruginosa or an isogenic P. aeruginosa mutant that was unable to produce the Pel polysaccharide. The biofilm cell density for both strains was compared to confirm the Pel deletion mutant decreased overall EPS production in a bioreactor system. When the Pel-deficient mutant was grown as a biofilm, its cell density, i.e., ratio of cells/(cells + EPS), was 74 % higher than the wild type, showing EPS production was reduced by eliminating pel production. The growth kinetics were determined for both strains. The Pel-deficient mutant had a maximum specific growth rate (μ^) that was 14% higher than the wild type. Next, the effects of EPS reduction on reactor performance were assessed for a membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) and a membrane bioreactor (MBR). For the MABR, the organic removal with the Pel-deficient mutant was around 8% higher than for the wild type. For the MBR, the time to reach the fouling threshold was 65 % greater for the Pel-deficient mutant than for the wild type. These results suggest that amount of EPS production can have significant effects on bacterial growth kinetics and bacterial cell density, which in turn can affect the performance of the membrane-based biofilm reactors. In both cases, lower EPS production correlated with more efficient treatment processes.

A peptide of PilZ domain-containing protein controls wastewater-treatment-membrane biofouling by inducing bacterial attachment

Membrane-based wastewater reclamation is used to mitigate water scarcity; however, irreversible biofouling is an elusive problem that hinders the efficiency of a forward-osmosis (FO) membrane-based process, and the protein responsible for fouling is unknown. Herein, we identified fouling proteins by analyzing the microbiome and proteome of wastewater extracellular polymeric substances responsible for strong irreversible FO-membrane fouling. The IGLSSLPR peptide of a PilZ domain-containing protein was found to recruit bacterial attachment when immobilized on the membrane surface while suppressing it when dissolved, in a similar manner to the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide in mammalian cell cultures. Bacteria adhere to IGLSSLPR and poly-l-lysine-coated membranes with similar energies and exhibit water fluxes that decline similarly, which is ascribable to interaction as strong as electrostatic interactions in the peptide-coated membranes. We conclude that IGLSSLPR is the key domain responsible for membrane fouling and can be used to develop antifouling technology against bacteria, which is similar to the current usage of RGD peptide in mammalian cell cultures.

Maintaining Antibacterial Activity against Biofouling Using a Quaternary Ammonium Membrane Coupling with Electrorepulsion

Antibacterial modification is a chemical-free method to mitigate biofouling, but surface accumulation of bacteria shields antibacterial groups and presents a significant challenge in persistently preventing membrane biofouling. Herein, a great synergistic effect of electrorepulsion and quaternary ammonium (QA) inactivation on maintaining antibacterial activity against biofouling has been investigated using an electrically conductive QA membrane (eQAM), which was fabricated by polymerization of pyrrole with QA compounds. The electrokinetic force between negatively charged Escherichia coli and cathodic eQAM prevented E. coli cells from reaching the membrane surface. More importantly, cathodic eQAM accelerated the detachment of cells from the eQAM surface, particularly for dead cells whose adhesion capacity was impaired by inactivation. The number of dead cells on the eQAM surface was declined by 81.2% while the number of live cells only decreased by 49.9%. Characterization of bacteria accumulation onto the membrane surface using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance revealed that the electrorepulsion accounted for the cell detachment rather than inactivation. In addition, QA inactivation mainly contributed to minimizing the cell adhesion capacity. Consequently, the membrane fouling was significantly declined, and the final normalized water flux was promoted higher than 20% with the synergistic effect of electrorepulsion and QA inactivation. This work provides a unique long-lasting strategy to mitigate membrane biofouling.

A Review on the Development of an Integer System Coupling Forward Osmosis Membrane and Ultrasound Waves for Water Desalination Processes

This review considers the forward osmosis (FO) membrane process as one of the feasible solutions for water desalination. Different aspects related to the FO process are reviewed with an emphasis on ultrasound assisted FO membrane processes. The different types of membranes used in FO are also reviewed and discussed; thus, their configuration, structure and applications are considered. Coupling ultrasound with FO enhances water flux through the membrane under certain conditions. In addition, this review addresses questions related to implementation of an ultrasound/FO system for seawater desalination, such as the impact on fouling, flow configuration, and location of fouling. Finally, the mechanisms for the impact of ultrasound on FO membranes are discussed and future research directions are suggested.

Magnesium and calcium ions: roles in bacterial cell attachment and biofilm structure maturation

The ubiquitous divalent cations magnesium and calcium are important nutrients required by bacteria for growth and cell maintenance. Multi-faceted roles are shown both in bacterial initial attachment and biofilm maturation. The effects of calcium and magnesium can be highlighted in physio-chemical interactions, gene regulation and bio-macromolecular structural modification, which lead to either promotion or inhibition of biofilms. This review outlines recent research addressing phenotypic changes and mechanisms undertaken by calcium and magnesium in affecting bacterial biofilm formation.

Characteristics and influencing factors of organic fouling in forward osmosis operation for wastewater applications: A comprehensive review

Wastewater reuse is considered one of the most promising practices for the achievement of sustainable water management on a global scale. In the context of the safe reuse of water, membrane filtration is a competitive technique due to its superior efficiency in several processes. However, membrane fouling by organics is an inevitable challenge that is encountered during the practical application of membrane processes. The resolution of the membrane fouling challenge requires an in-depth understanding of many complex interactions between organic foulants and the membrane. In the last few decades, the forward osmosis (FO) membrane process, which exploits osmosis as a driving force, has emerged as an effective technology for water production with low energy consumption, thus leveraging the water-energy nexus. However, their successful application is severely hampered by membrane fouling, which is caused by such complex fouling mechanisms as cake enhanced osmotic pressure (CEOP), reverse salt diffusion (RSD), internal, and external concentration polarization as well as by the traditional fouling processes encompassing colloids, microbial (biofouling), inorganic, and organic fouling. Of these fouling types, the fouling potential of organic matter in FO has not been given sufficient attention, in particular, when FO is applied to wastewater treatment. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of FO membrane fouling for wastewater applications with a special focus on the identification of the major factors that lead to the unique properties of organic fouling in this filtration process. Based on the critical assessment of organic fouling formation and the governing mechanisms, proposals were advanced for future research aimed at the mitigation of FO membrane fouling to enhance process efficiency in wastewater applications.

Evidence, Determination, and Implications of Membrane-Independent Limiting Flux in Forward Osmosis Systems

A stepwise method for determining limiting flux and limiting osmotic pressure and a constant osmotic pressure method to validate the limiting flux were developed. First, five of the most commonly used FO membranes were characterized for water permeability ( A), solute permeability ( B), and structural parameter ( S). During both stepwise and constant osmotic pressure fouling experiments, membrane fouling constrained water flux to a singular, common upper limit, the limiting flux, for all membranes despite very different A and A/ B values for the membranes. Conversely, there was not an upper limit to reverse salt flux. It was observed that reverse salt flux increases as S decreases; however, this does not mean that higher S values are desirable. Higher S values (> ∼600 μm) also increase dilutive internal concentration polarization, which is recognized as the major impediment to achieving high FO water flux. For osmotic processes where membrane fouling occurs, membrane transport parameters A and B may not be useful performance indicators, and the goal of improving water flux by developing highly permeable, highly selective membranes may not be realistic. Instead, optimizing fouling mitigation strategies, hydrodynamics at the membrane surface, and membrane module configuration may be more promising alternatives for improving performance.

Calcium-Carboxyl Intrabridging during Interfacial Polymerization: A Novel Strategy to Improve Antifouling Performance of Thin Film Composite Membranes

This study reports a novel intrabridging strategy to improve the antifouling performance of a thin-film composite (TFC) membrane. We demonstrate that the addition of Ca²⁺ during the interfacial polymerization reaction led to the formation of stable Ca²⁺-carboxyl complexes within the polyamide rejection layer. This intrabridging of carboxyl groups by Ca²⁺ effectively sequestrated them, reducing their availability for binding divalent metal ions in the aqueous solution and for forming foulant-metal-membrane interbridges. Membrane fouling and cleaning experiments confirmed improved flux stability and fouling reversibility for the Ca²⁺ modified membranes. The greatly enhanced antifouling performance of these membranes, together with their better surface hydrophilicity and greater water permeability, makes the intrabridging approach highly attractive in overcoming the classical permeability-selectivity-antifouling trade-off. Our findings pave a new direction for synthesizing high-performance TFC membranes.

A Review of Fouling Mechanisms, Control Strategies and Real-Time Fouling Monitoring Techniques in Forward Osmosis

Forward osmosis has gained tremendous attention in the field of desalination and wastewater treatment. However, membrane fouling is an inevitable issue. Membrane fouling leads to flux decline, can cause operational problems and can result in negative consequences that can damage the membrane. Hereby, we attempt to review the different types of fouling in forward osmosis, cleaning and control strategies for fouling mitigation, and the impact of membrane hydrophilicity, charge and morphology on fouling. The fundamentals of biofouling, organic, colloidal and inorganic fouling are discussed with a focus on recent studies. We also review some of the in-situ real-time online fouling monitoring technologies for real-time fouling monitoring that can be applicable to future research on forward osmosis fouling studies. A brief discussion on critical flux and the coupled effects of fouling and concentration polarization is also provided.

Osmotically and Thermally Isolated Forward Osmosis-Membrane Distillation (FO-MD) Integrated Module

In this study, we propose a novel module design to integrate forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD). The two processes are sealed in one module and operated simultaneously, making the system compact and suitable for a wide range of applications. To evaluate the system under large-scale module operating conditions, FO and MD experiments were performed separately. The effect of draw solution (DS) temperature on the FO performance was first assessed in terms of flux, reverse salt flux (RSF), and specific RSF (SRSF). While a higher DS temperature resulted in an increased RSF, a higher FO flux was achieved, with a lower SRSF. The influence of DS concentration on the MD performance was then investigated in terms of flux and salt rejection. High DS concentration had a slightly negative impact on MD water vapor flux, but the MD membrane was a complete barrier for DS salts. The FO-MD integrated module was simulated based on mass balance equations. Results indicated that initial DS (MD feed) flow rate and concentration are the most important factors for stable operation of the integrated module. Higher initial DS flow rate and lower initial DS concentration can achieve a higher permeate rate of the FO-MD module.

Improved Anti-Biofouling Performance of Thin -Film Composite Forward-Osmosis Membranes Containing Passive and Active Moieties

Forward osmosis (FO) has gained increasing attention in desalination, wastewater treatment, and power generation. However, biofouling remains a major obstacle for the sustainable development of the FO process. Both passive and active strategies have been developed to mitigate membrane biofouling. A comprehensive understanding of different strategies and mechanisms has fundamental significance for the antifouling membrane development. In this study, thin-film composite (TFC) FO membranes were modified with polydopamine (PDA) coating as a passive antibacterial moiety and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as an active antibacterial moiety. Their anti-biofouling performances were investigated both in static and dynamic conditions. In static exposure, the PDA-coated membranes exhibited great passive anti-adhesive property, and the Ag-NP-generated membranes presented both of excellent passive anti-adhesive properties and active antibacterial performance. While in dynamic cross-flow running conditions, Ag NPs effectively mitigated the membrane water flux decline due to their inhibition of biofilm growth, the PDA coating failed because of its inability to inactivate the attached bacteria growth. Moreover, Ag NPs were stable and active on membrane surfaces after 24 h of cross-flow operation. These findings provide new insights into the performances and mechanisms of passive and active moieties in the FO process.

Combined Organic Fouling and Inorganic Scaling in Reverse Osmosis: Role of Protein-Silica Interactions

We investigated the relationship between silica scaling and protein fouling in reverse osmosis (RO). Flux decline caused by combined scaling and fouling was compared with those by individual scaling or fouling. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LYZ), two proteins with opposite charges at typical feedwater pH, were used as model protein foulants. Our results demonstrate that water flux decline was synergistically enhanced when silica and protein were both present in the feedwater. For example, flux decline after 500 min was far greater in combined silica scaling and BSA fouling experiments (55 ± 6% decline) than those caused by silica (11 ± 2% decline) or BSA (9 ± 1% decline) alone. Similar behavior was observed with silica and LYZ, suggesting that this synergistic effect was independent of protein charge. Membrane characterization by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed distinct foulant layers formed by BSA and LYZ in the presence of silica. A combination of dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy , and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses further suggested that BSA and LYZ facilitated the formation of aggregates with varied chemical compositions. As a result, BSA and LYZ were likely to play different roles in enhancing flux decline in combined scaling and fouling. Our study suggests that the coexistence of organic foulants, such as proteins, largely alters scaling behavior of silica, and that accurate prediction of RO performance requires careful consideration of foulant-scalant interactions.

Seeing is believing: Insights from synchrotron infrared mapping for membrane fouling in osmotic membrane bioreactors

We employed synchrotron infrared (IR) mapping to resolve forward osmosis (FO) membrane fouling in osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR). Synchrotron IR mapping offers a unique perspective to elucidate the fouling mechanisms and associated consequences in OMBR operation. We demonstrated the spatial distribution and relative intensity of carbohydrate and protein longitudinally along of the fouled FO membrane at the conclusion of OMBR operation. Both transmission and attenuated total reflection (ATR) modes were used to map the cross-section and surface of the fouled FO membrane. Micro X-ray computed tomography revealed patchy, "sand-dune" features on the membrane surface at the conclusion of OMBR operation. Synchrotron IR-ATR mapping demonstrated that the development of membrane fouling layer in OMBR operation was initiated by polysaccharide-like carbohydrate, followed by layering with protein-like substance, resulting in a characteristic "sand-dune" three dimensional feature. Synchrotron FTIR mapping shed light on foulant occurrence and accumulation in the draw solution. Strong penetration of protein-like substance into membrane matrix was visualised, resulting the detection of protein adsorption in the region of membrane supporting layer.

Salinity build-up in osmotic membrane bioreactors: Causes, impacts, and potential cures

Osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR), which integrates forward osmosis (FO) with biological treatment, has been developed to advance wastewater treatment and reuse. OMBR is superior to conventional MBR, particularly in terms of higher effluent quality, lower membrane fouling propensity, and higher membrane fouling reversibility. Nevertheless, advancement and future deployment of OMBR are hindered by salinity build-up in the bioreactor (e.g., up to 50 mS/cm indicated by the mixed liquor conductivity), due to high salt rejection of the FO membrane and reverse diffusion of the draw solution. This review comprehensively elucidates the relative significance of these two mechanisms towards salinity build-up and its associated effects in OMBR operation. Recently proposed strategies to mitigate salinity build-up in OMBR are evaluated and compared to highlight their potential in practical applications. In addition, the complementarity of system optimization and modification to effectively manage salinity build-up are recommended for sustainable OMBR development.

Nano-exploration of organic conditioning film formed on polymeric surfaces exposed to drinking water

Adsorption of organic macromolecules onto surfaces in contact with waters forms a so-called conditioning film and induces modifications of the surface properties. Here, we characterized conditioning films formed onto two hydrophobic materials (used as pipe liner) and immersed for 24 h in tap water. Using combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), and chemical force microscopy (CFM), we detected some changes in roughness and hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of the surface of the tested coupons, and also the deposition of numerous organic polymers (few millions/cm²) randomly distributed on the surface. The maximum molecular extension of these organic polymers was in the range of 250-1250 nm according to the tested materials. Systematic analysis of the force curves with the theoretical models (WLC and FJC) allowed determining the proportion of rupture events related to the unfolding of both polysaccharide and polypeptide segments, which represented 75-80% and 20-25% of the analyzed curves, respectively. The number of autochthonous drinking water bacteria, which attached to the material within the same period of time was 10000-folds lower than the detected number of polymers attached to the surface. Even in drinking water systems with relatively low organic matter (dissolved organic carbon < 1.1 mg/L), the potential of formation of a conditioning biofilm is important.

Mitigation of Biofilm Development on Thin-Film Composite Membranes Functionalized with Zwitterionic Polymers and Silver Nanoparticles

We demonstrate the functionalization of thin-film composite membranes with zwitterionic polymers and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for combating biofouling. Combining hydrophilic zwitterionic polymer brushes and biocidal AgNPs endows the membrane with dual functionality: antiadhesion and bacterial inactivation. An atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reaction is used to graft zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) brushes to the membrane surface, while AgNPs are synthesized in situ through chemical reduction of silver. Two different membrane architectures (Ag-PSBMA and PSBMA-Ag TFC) are developed according to the sequence AgNPs, and PSBMA brushes are grafted on the membrane surface. A static adhesion assay shows that both modified membranes significantly reduced the adsorption of proteins, which served as a model organic foulant. However, improved antimicrobial activity is observed for PSBMA-Ag TFC (i.e., AgNPs on top of the polymer brush) in comparison to the Ag-PSBMA TFC membrane (i.e., polymer brush on top of AgNPs), indicating that architecture of the antifouling layer is an important factor in the design of zwitterion-silver membranes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging indicated that PSBMA-Ag TFC membranes effectively inhibit biofilm formation under dynamic cross-flow membrane biofouling tests. Finally, we demonstrate the regeneration of AgNPs on the membrane after depletion of silver from the surface of the PSBMA-Ag TFC membrane.

Silica scaling in forward osmosis: From solution to membrane interface

Membrane silica scaling hinders sustainable water production. Understanding silica scaling mechanisms provides options for better membrane process management. In this study, we elucidated silica scaling mechanisms on an asymmetric cellulose triacetate (CTA) membrane and polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) membrane. Scaling filtration showed that TFC membrane was subjected to more severe water flux decline in comparison with the CTA membrane, together with different scaling layer morphology. To elucidate the silica scaling mechanisms, silica species in the aqueous solution were characterised by mass spectrometry as well as light scattering. Key thermodynamic parameters of silica surface nucleation on the CTA and TFC membranes were estimated to compare the surface nucleation energy barrier. In addition, high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy resolved the chemical origin of the silica-membrane interaction via identifying the specific silicon bonds. These results strongly support that silica scaling in the CTA membrane was driven by the aggregation of mono-silicic acid into large silica aggregates, followed by the deposition from bulk solution onto the membrane surface; by contrast, silica polymerised on the TFC membrane surface where mono-silicic acid interacted with TFC membrane surface, which was followed by silica surface polymerisation.

An Effective Design of Electrically Conducting Thin-Film Composite (TFC) Membranes for Bio and Organic Fouling Control in Forward Osmosis (FO)

The organic foulants and bacteria in secondary wastewater treatment can seriously impair the membrane performance in a water treatment plant. The embedded electrode approach using an externally applied potential to repel organic foulants and inhibit bacterial adhesion can effectively reduce the frequency of membrane replacement. Electrode embedment in membranes is often carried out by dispensing a conductor (e.g., carbon nanotubes, or CNTs) in the membrane substrate, which gives rise to two problems: the leaching-out of the conductor and a percolation-limited membrane conductivity that results in an added energy cost. This study presents a facile method for the embedment of a continuous electrode in thin-film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membranes. Specifically, a conducting porous carbon paper is used as the understructure for the formation of a membrane substrate by the classical phase inversion process. The carbon paper and the membrane substrate polymer form an interpenetrating structure with good stability and low electrical resistance (only about 1Ω/□). The membrane-electrode assembly was deployed as the cathode of an electrochemical cell, and showed good resistance to organic and microbial fouling with the imposition of a 2.0 V DC voltage. The carbon paper-based FO TFC membranes also possess good mechanical stability for practical use.

Selection of suitable fertilizer draw solute for a novel fertilizer-drawn forward osmosis-anaerobic membrane bioreactor hybrid system

In this study, a protocol for selecting suitable fertilizer draw solute for anaerobic fertilizer-drawn forward osmosis membrane bioreactor (AnFDFOMBR) was proposed. Among eleven commercial fertilizer candidates, six fertilizers were screened further for their FO performance tests and evaluated in terms of water flux and reverse salt flux. Using selected fertilizers, bio-methane potential experiments were conducted to examine the effect of fertilizers on anaerobic activity due to reverse diffusion. Mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) showed the highest biogas production while other fertilizers exhibited an inhibition effect on anaerobic activity with solute accumulation. Salt accumulation in the bioreactor was also simulated using mass balance simulation models. Results showed that ammonium sulfate and MAP were the most appropriate for AnFDFOMBR since they demonstrated less salt accumulation, relatively higher water flux, and higher dilution capacity of draw solution. Given toxicity of sulfate to anaerobic microorganisms, MAP appears to be the most suitable draw solution for AnFDFOMBR.