Eightfold increased membrane flux of NF 270 by O3 oxidation of natural humic acids without deteriorated permeate quality |
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| Authors: | Steven Van Geluwe Chris Vinckier Emil Bobu Christian Trandafir Jeroen Vanelslander Leen Braeken Bart Van der Bruggen |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Laboratory of Applied Physical Chemistry and Environmental Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, K.U. Leuven, W. de Croylaan 46, 3001 Leuven, Belgium;2. Laboratory of Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, K.U. Leuven Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Leuven, Belgium;3. Department of Industrial Sciences and Technology, KHLim, Universitaire Campus, Gebouw B bus 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Membrane fouling by humic acids limits the water recovery of nanofiltration in drinking water production. This article investigates if membrane fouling can be reduced by decomposition of humic acids in the concentrate stream by O3 oxidation. RESULTS: At a specific O3 dose of 2.11 g O3 per g COD (17.0 g m?3 O3 (g) for 20 min), a COD reduction of 38% and a hydrophobic COD reduction of 69% is achieved. The membrane permeability of the ozonated solution by NF 270 membranes is higher (20.6 × 10?9 L s?1 m?2 Pa?1) than the permeability if the untreated solution is filtered (2.4 × 10?9 L s?1 m?2 Pa?1). The COD retention of the ozonated solution was similar to the retention of the untreated samples. The addition of H2O2 allows a better mineralization degree, i.e. UVA removal increased from 53% to 66% if H2O2 was added as from 10 min oxidation at the same molar flow rate as O3. CONCLUSION: O3 oxidation can substantially alleviate membrane fouling by humic acids in nanofiltration systems and the addition of H2O2 can slightly improve its decomposition. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry |
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| Keywords: | nanofiltration ozone advanced oxidation humic acids |
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