The relationship between membrane and foulant in filtration of high DOC and hardness waters

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Many water facilities in Canada are not able to meet the regulations governing potentially carcinogenic chlorine disinfection by-products- Trihalomethanes (THMs). Nanofiltration has become widely used in potable water treatment as a method that can meet increasingly stringent water quality regulations and THMs standards. However, a major problem with this approach is nanofilter fouling, which is loosely defined as the loss of performance and increase in plant operation cost due to formation of undesirable deposits (i.e. fouling layer) on the membrane surface. Many surface water sources, especially in the Canadian Prairies, contain major membrane foulants in high concentrations. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of fouling and fouling control is of utmost interest to the designers and owners of water treatment systems located in this region. The overall objective of the proposed research is to control membrane fouling and significantly reduce operating costs of membrane systems by increasing their operational life. This project is a part of a global strategy to improve water quality and decrease THMs by the use of membrane technology. In this proposal, I will address this objective by investigating the relationship between the membrane and foulant using new membrane autopsy methods that are applicable to membranes used for filtration of challenging surface waters. Determining the mechanism of membrane filter fouling will support the partner on this grant (WSP Canada Inc.) in development of strategies that increase filter life, which will result in millions of dollars in savings each year to another partner on this grant (Pembina Valley Water Coop.) and other municipalities. Currently, owners of Canadian plants operating on waters most challenging to membrane filtration consult with international companies on membrane autopsies and methods to control membrane fouling. Two M.Sc. and two undergraduate students will be trained during this research. These students will obtain a unique set of skills that is urgently needed in the Canadian water treatment industry, particularly in applications where membranes are being used to produce drinking water.