Effect of process variables and natural organic matter on removal of microcystin-LR by PAC-UF

The release of cyanobacterial toxins, such as microcystin-LR, in drinking water supplies is of increasing concern. In this study, we investigated the use of ultrafiltration (UF) combined with adsorption on powdered activated carbon (PAC) for the removal of microcystin-LR from drinking water. Process variables examined included PAC type, PAC dosage, membrane characteristics (material and pore size), and the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). Due to greater mesopore volume, wood-based activated carbon was up to 4-times more effective at removing microcystin-LR than coconut-based carbon, depending on contact time. Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes with a molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of 20,000 Da did not reject or adsorb microcystin-LR. Membranes composed of polyethersulfone (PES) of similar pore size, on the other hand, adsorbed microcystin-LR presumably through hydrophobic interactions. A PES membrane with a MWCO of 5000 Da sorbed microcystin-LR, and also rejected 8.4% of the toxin through a size exclusion mechanism. When PAC was coupled to UF using PES membranes, greater removal of microcystin-LR occurred compared to when CA membranes were used due to sorption of the toxin to the PES membrane surface. The presence of Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) reduced microcystin-LR removal by PAC-UF, primarily due to competition between SRFA and microcystin-LR for sites on the PAC surface.