Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhenyu Li, Xingtao Yang, Zhining Wang, Nadia Farhat, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Li -an Hou
Summary: The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes is a persistent challenge in desalination. This study monitored the operational performance of a desalination plant for 7 years and the fouling development in different areas of membrane modules. The findings showed that operational performance declined over time and fouling mainly occurred at the feed side of the modules, with the highest microbial diversity. Keystone species like Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes played an important role in maintaining community structure and biofilm maturation. Polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic substances contributed to fouling. Overall, biofouling had a significant impact on membrane fouling after 7 years of operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yin-Hu Wu, Zhuo Chen, Xu Li, Yun-Hong Wang, Bo Liu, Gen-Qiang Chen, Li-Wei Luo, Hao-Bin Wang, Xin Tong, Yuan Bai, Yu-Qing Xu, Nozomu Ikuno, Cai-Feng Li, Hong-Yu Zhang, Hong-Ying Hu
Summary: The study investigated the impact of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane fouling, revealing that high UV dosage could lead to more severe biofouling due to increased extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secretion by residual bacteria after disinfection.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sanghun Park, Moon Son, Jaegyu Shim, Kwanho Jeong, Kyung Hwa Cho
Summary: This study compared chemical cleaning with OBW-assisted chemical cleaning for removing organic fouling from reverse osmosis membranes. The use of OBW increased the water permeability coefficient of the fouled membrane, improving water flux by up to 10.8%. In-situ monitoring revealed that pore generation below the fouling layer helped to dissociate the fouling layer and facilitated rapid encounter between the cleaning agent and foulants. Characterization of the fouled membrane showed that applying OBW before chemical cleaning enhanced membrane cleaning efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ariel J. Atkinson, Mikayla D. Armstrong, John T. Eskew, Orlando Coronell
Summary: Biofouling is a challenge in membrane applications, particularly in the purification of natural waters. The study found that the 2-AI membrane effectively inhibited biofilm formation, resulting in weaker biofouling that was easier to remove. Despite initially lower water permeance, the 2-AI membranes outperformed controls after biofilm formation, fouling less without compromising water productivity and solute rejection.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuang Hao, Jun Xiao, Lingshuang Liu, Yiwen Qin, Shaolu Li, Yunxia Hu
Summary: This study reports the development of antifouling thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes with inner and outer zwitterion-like layers. The modified RO membranes exhibit high water permeance and excellent antifouling properties against small organic foulants. The results provide insights for engineering polyamide RO membrane surfaces with superior separation performance and efficient anti-fouling properties.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yufang Li, Shu Wang, Haojie Ding, Kang Xiao, Xia Huang
Summary: This study found that excessive iron had significant effects on biofouling. It influenced various stages of fouling development and altered the ecological interaction network. The upregulation of quorum sensing and the role of QS in polysaccharide secretion and ferric reduction were also revealed.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu-Qing Xu, Yin-Hu Wu, Xin Tong, Ke-Ying Song, Gen-Qiang Chen, Yuan Bai, Li-Wei Luo, Hao-Bin Wang, Zi-Wei Zhang, Nozomu Ikuno, Hong-Ying Hu
Summary: This study summarized the pressure-time curves of reverse osmosis membranes into 3 types and developed an Integrated Spherical Diffusion Cell (SDC) model that fitted the data better than other models. The model showed superior fitting performance to the operational data of a full-scale RO system and could predict subsequent pressure growth within a 20% increase compared to the original pressure. The findings are applicable to industrial practice and may enable further research in the pressure growth pattern of constant flux RO filtration.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Deepa Suresh, Pei Sean Goh, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Tuck Whye Wong
Summary: This review discusses conventional and advanced biofouling evaluation techniques used in reverse osmosis membranes, covering the fundamentals, mechanisms, impacts, and prevention strategies of reverse osmosis biofouling. While conventional techniques offer versatility and ease of use, advanced methods provide real-time and accurate monitoring, allowing for timely cleaning and improved performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Gen-Qiang Chen, Yin-Hu Wu, Zhuo Chen, Li-Wei Luo, Yun-Hong Wang, Xing Tong, Yuan Bai, Hao-Bin Wang, Yu-Qing Xu, Zi-Wei Zhang, Nozomu Ikuno, Hong-Ying Hu
Summary: Disinfection treatment increased the abundance of typical bacterial genus with high EPS production ability, leading to significantly enhanced EPS volumetric productivity. EPS produced by DRB showed higher fouling potential on UF and RO membranes, with increased molecular weight and fluorescence intensity. The XDLVO theory revealed that EPS of DRB had significantly higher interaction energy with membranes than control group, indicating caution should be taken when using oxidizing disinfection as pre-treatment for membrane filtration in wastewater reclamation.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiusheng Gao, Liang Duan, Yanyan Jia, Hengliang Zhang, Jianing Liu, Wei Yang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of Mn2+ on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane fouling caused by typical organic pollutants. The results showed that Mn2+ exacerbates membrane fouling, especially when caused by humic acid, sodium alginate, and a mixture of humic acid, protein, and sodium alginate. However, Mn2+ has no direct effect on protein. The density functional theory calculations also supported these experimental observations.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cigdem Balcik
Summary: An autopsy of spiral wound RO membrane operated in brackish water treatment was conducted to understand foulants and fouling mechanisms, which determined the fouling components and recommended a fouling control strategy to increase membrane life.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Asif Matin, Tahar Laoui, Wail Falath, Mohammed Farooque
Summary: RO technology is increasingly used for seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation, but fouling of membranes remains a challenge. Various eco-friendly techniques for membrane fouling control are being investigated, including bioflocculation and osmotic backwashing. Fundamental studies are needed to optimize these processes for potential integration into RO plants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zi-Hao Li, Guo-Wei Ni, Jin-Long Wang, Lin Zhou, Qiang Yang, Pei-Zhuo Li, Ai-Li Gao, Tong Yu, Li-Hua Cheng, Xue-Jun Bi
Summary: This study autopsied RO membranes operating in winter to explore the composition of fouling. The results showed that both organic and inorganic foulants decreased from the front-most to the end-most model, with organics being the main foulant. Al, Ca, Mg, Na, and K were dominant inorganic scalants, and the deposition amount of Al on the membrane surface reached up to 18.45 mg/m2.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohammad Y. Ashfaq, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti, Nabil Zouari
Summary: In this study, an RO membrane surface-functionalized with antibacterial graphene oxide and antiscalant maleic acid was prepared and tested, showing improved resistance to inorganic scaling and biofouling.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sung Ju Im, Luca Fortunato, Am Jang
Summary: This study monitored the development of fouling on the FO membrane surface in real time and assessed the physical and chemical characteristics of the fouling layer through performance evaluation and in-depth analysis. The fouling development was classified into 4 phases: virgin performance, initial deposition, stabilization, and aggregation. With the growing fouling layer and with aggregation, the removal rate of organic matter decreased while the removal rate of inorganic matter remained high.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Inna Horovitz, Vitaly Gitis, Dror Avisar, Hadas Mamane
REVIEWS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anthony P. Straub, Eli Asa, Wei Zhang, Thanh H. Nguyen, Moshe Herzberg
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carsten Ulrich Schwermer, Wolfgang Uhl
Summary: The concentrations of genetic markers for antibiotic resistance genes in the effluents of three Norwegian wastewater treatment plants were measured, showing different contributions to the genetic marker load in rivers. Improved removal of genetic markers in WWTPs would greatly enhance river water quality. Consideration of flow rates and hydrologic characteristics of the recipient water body is crucial in deciding priorities for further removal of antibiotic resistance genes in WWTPs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
I Slavik, D. Kostrowski, W. Uhl
Summary: Solar radiation experiments have demonstrated a shift in the composition of natural organic matter (NOM), with a decrease in the concentration of high molecular weight (HMW) molecules and an increase in the low molecular weight (LMW) fraction. The coagulation performance for removing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was found to be lower for irradiated waters, which can be attributed to the increase in LMW concentration caused by photochemical reactions induced by solar radiation. An adaptation of water treatment processes, particularly ozonation-biofiltration, is considered as a promising solution to cope with climate change-related challenges in drinking water treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
I. LeviRam, A. Gross, A. Lintern, R. Henry, C. Schang, M. Herzberg, D. McCarthy
Summary: This study aimed to improve the design of stormwater biofiltration systems for the removal of micropollutants and understand the role of micropollutant-degrading bacteria. The addition of granulated activated carbon to the filter media significantly enhanced the removal of atrazine, a model micropollutant, and accelerated its degradation. The prototype biofiltration system showed the potential for sustainable microbial remediation alongside the removal of stormwater macropollutants without compromising the overall removal performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Wang, Yuexing Chen, Yong Liang, Bolin Wang, Maojun Zhao, Li Zhang, Li Lin, Yuanyuan Jiang, Hui Chen, Yunsong Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates a general preparation strategy of Janus-like CdS/MnS graphene oxide films with an asymmetric structure, which can enhance catalytic activity of photocatalysts. Compared with mixed counterparts, Janus photocatalysts show higher photocatalytic performance.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Inna Levitsky, Dorith Tavor, Vitaly Gitis
Summary: Air-water micronanobubbles (MNBs) have the potential to improve various processes in water and wastewater treatment, including oxygen transfer, algae flotation, organic compound decomposition, and fouling mitigation. Integration of MNBs with macrobubbles and air slugs can minimize the role of water treatment chemicals and enhance treatment efficiency. Future research should focus on sustainable water resource utilization and reduction of chemical usage.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yang Yang, Edo Bar-Zeev, Gideon Oron, Moshe Herzberg, Roy Bernstein
Summary: This study investigated biofouling in anaerobic membrane bioreactors and found that the membrane properties can affect biofilm formation and the anaerobic microbial population, but may not necessarily alleviate biofouling.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ashraf Al-Ashhab, Amer Sweity, Luna Al-Hadidi, Moshe Herzberg, Zeev Ronen
Summary: This study investigates the biodegradability of three commercial antiscalants used in seawater desalination and their effects on microbial diversity. The results show that the polyphosphonate antiscalant is the least biodegradable and has the least impact on bacterial community composition.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Noya Ran, Revital Sharon-Gojman, Sara Larsson, Osnat Gillor, Meagan S. Mauter, Moshe Herzberg
Summary: Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) can conform and orient on the surface according to the applied aquatic conditions. Changes in pH can alter the conformation and orientation of adsorbed EPS, leading to changes in membrane permeability. A hybrid sensor was used to test EPS layers and analyze their viscoelastic properties, hydrated thickness, and effect on ultrafiltration membrane pore diameter.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ji Qin, Eric Ziemann, Edo Bar-Zeev, Sharon E. Bone, Yuanzhe Liang, Meagan S. Mauter, Moshe Herzberg, Roy Bernstein
Summary: Researchers have developed microporous membranes grafted with polyzwitterionic brushes that combine the characteristics of ultrafiltration membranes and microfiltration membranes, effectively removing bacteriophages from water. These membranes demonstrate high permeability and can achieve removal rates of up to 4.5 for T4 bacteriophages and 3.1 for NT1 bacteriophages, showing potential for advanced water treatment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noya Ran, Gil Sorek, Noa Stein, Revital Sharon-Gojman, Moshe Herzberg, Osnat Gillor
Summary: Biofouling is the main cause of membrane deterioration during water purification processes and has been extensively studied. However, the link between biofouling community structure and function has not been fully understood. This study provides a novel insight by suggesting that bacterial functions control biofouling traits on reverse osmosis membranes, regardless of the composition of the biofilm.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Frances Pope, Jeffrey Jonk, Millie Fowler, Petrus C. M. Laan, Norbert J. Geels, Larissa Drangai, Vitaly Gitis, Gadi Rothenberg
Summary: The safety concern of using large amounts of compressed or liquid hydrogen in a transition to a hydrogen economy can be addressed by using chitosan as a catalyst support. Chitosan spheres encapsulating cobalt catalysts remain stable at high reaction pH, and show high catalytic activity and reusability.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Moshe Herzberg, Mattias Berglin, Sarai Eliahu, Lovisa Bodin, Karin Agrenius, Amir Zlotkin, Johan Svenson
Summary: The successful transfer of a natural marine biofilm inhibitor to 2D surface format and its ability to inhibit the formation of marine microbial consortium and disperse established biofilms are discussed in this study. The peptides modified with hydrophobic palmitic acid tail demonstrate strong noncovalent interactions and provide stable noncovalent coatings, preventing biofilm formation even under significant shear stress for 24 hours. Furthermore, the covalently attached peptides on acrylate surface show remarkable ability to prevent surface colonization over 48 hours, indicating high potential in various material application areas.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nadine Siebdrath, Bertram Skibinski, Shiju Abraham, Roy Bernstein, Robert Berger, Noa Stein, Yair Kaufman, Andre Lerch, Moshe Herzberg
Summary: Organic fouling in the RO tertiary desalination process can be mitigated by biofiltration and UF pretreatments, impacting the composition of EfOM. Adhesion of different LC-OCD-OND fractions to polyamide was found to be similar, regardless of their origin, with biopolymers showing the highest adhesion and lower molecular weight humics showing the lowest.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiawei Hou, Shixuan Guo, Nigel Graham, Wenzheng Yu, Kening Sun, Ting Liu
Summary: A novel 2D composite membrane based on r-HGO and MXene materials was developed, demonstrating exceptional performance for water treatment in terms of permeability, pollutant rejection, and physical stability. The optimization of preparation conditions and material proportions can result in high water flux and efficient removal of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Retraction
Engineering, Chemical
Chang Liu, Jinghong Liu, Liang Zhu, Shanfu Tang, Huixin Xiong
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rui Gao, Caihong Liu, Andreia F. Faria, Qiang He, Chun Yang, Jun Ma
Summary: A novel copolymer architecture has been developed to address biofouling concerns in thin-film composite (TFC) membranes by integrating anti-fouling, bactericidal, and fouling-release functions. The multifunctional membrane demonstrates promising anti-adhesive properties, self-cleaning ability, and high flux recovery rate.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexander T. Bridge, Noah P. Wamble, Matthew S. Santoso, Joan F. Brennecke, Benny D. Freeman
Summary: This study demonstrates the reproducible preparation of high-flux defect-free asymmetric gas separation membranes using Cyrene(TM) as a majority dope formulation component. By adjusting the volume ratios of Cyrene(TM) and THF, as well as the concentrations of Matrimid(R) and the dry step time, optimal membrane performance is achieved.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandra Imbrogno, Han Ya Lin, Babak Minofar, Andrea Iris Schaefer
Summary: In this study, a composite nanofiber membrane containing cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin was prepared and evaluated for the removal of steroid hormones. The results showed that the membrane had high adsorption capacity and the ability to form a specific inclusion complex interaction with the hormones, indicating its potential application in hormone removal.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bora Shin, Jaewon Shin, Yanuar Chandra Wirasembada, Ki Young Park, Jinwoo Cho
Summary: This study develops a mathematical model to estimate the initial flux of volatile fatty acids in the direct contact membrane distillation process. It identifies the parameters affecting the flux and their relationship with pH.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Jui Yeh, Jr Rong Liou, Wei Lin, Kuo-Lun Tung, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective plasma engineering method to create nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-inorganic nanocomposites for tunable molecular separation. The composite materials show high separation efficiency and controllable nanopore structures, making them potentially valuable for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Horacio Lopez-Marques, Kristofer L. Gleason, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Rita Sulub-Sulub, J. Ehren Eichler, Hyeonji Oh, C. Buddie Mullins, Benny D. Freeman, Manish Kumar
Summary: In this study, water transport properties in Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) membranes were investigated. It was found that membranes synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures exhibited varying water permeabilities. Compared to other polymeric materials, CMS membranes showed high water permeability, indicating potential for dehydration applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dmitry A. Alentiev, Roman Yu. Nikiforov, Marina A. Rudakova, Danil P. Zarezin, Maxim A. Topchiy, Andrey F. Asachenko, Nikolay A. Belov, Maxim Bermeshev
Summary: A series of new norbornene-type monomers containing linear and branched substituents were synthesized, and robust thin membranes were prepared by vinyl-addition polymerization. Gas separation performance for the synthesized polymers was evaluated, and the structure of substituent side chains was found to significantly affect gas permeability and CO2 facilitated transport.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Yan, Qi Zhang, Ze Zhang, Gui-Jie Li, Yi Jin, Xin-Lin Zhang, Yan-Yun Sun
Summary: In this study, a continuous, stable and fast ion transport channel was established through in-situ guided cross-linking of zinc alginate hydrogels on a porous membrane, overcoming the negative pore effect and effectively inhibiting the dendrite growth of zinc anodes and interfacial side reactions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuqing Zhang, Ailing Zhang, Huiyang He, Yuting Fan, Yongjiang Li, Song Wang, Sanxi Li
Summary: The Langmuir-Blodgett self-assembly process is used to create an ordered SPEEK membrane, which enhances the proton conductivity by three times compared to conventional solution casting method.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hasan Ismaeel, David Gibson, Eleonora Ricci, Maria Grazia De Angelis
Summary: In this study, a machine learning-based group contribution method (ML-GC) was developed to predict pure polymer parameters and successfully applied to predict gas solubility and gas solubility isotherms in glassy polymeric membranes. The model showed satisfactory performance on a small dataset, but has the potential to provide more accurate predictions for a wider range of polymers as more data becomes available.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Ji, Yu Sun, Huilin Li, Qiang Fu, Yan Zhang
Summary: Previous studies have shown that vibration- or rotation-based techniques can effectively mitigate fouling during membrane filtration. However, it is difficult to incorporate these techniques with spiral wound modules (SWMs) widely used in water and wastewater treatment. This study developed a prototype membrane system to accommodate angular vibrations with a modified SWM, and experimental results showed that applying angular vibrations can effectively control algal fouling in an SWM with lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lakshmeesha Upadhayaya, Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, Usman T. Syed, Sandra L. Aristizabal, Radoslaw Gorecki, Suzana P. Nunes
Summary: Increasing temperatures worldwide pose a significant health risk, exacerbated by high humidity. Conventional air conditioners contribute heavily to carbon dioxide emissions, with dehumidification being a major factor. Membrane-based dehumidification system offers energy efficiency and non-toxic water vapor removal. This study demonstrates a membrane dehumidification system with polymeric hollow fibers coated with a green polyphenol coating, showing remarkable water vapor transport rate and selectivity. Long-term testing reveals minimal decline in vapor transport and a 4-5 times higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional dehumidifiers, making it a highly competitive, energy-saving device with reduced emissions and a smaller footprint.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengzhong Zhou, Xue Zhu, Yi Yuan, Shaoqiang Wang, Xiaoshan Meng, Taoli Huhe, Qian Wang
Summary: In this study, lignin, a biomass material, was chemically modified and utilized in the interfacial polymerization process to improve the performance of nanofiltration membranes. The modified membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties, and the optimization of membrane pore size increased permeability. The study also demonstrated the potential application of the membranes in biogas slurry valorization.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)