Reduced Biofouling in Water Treatment Membrane Systems

This approach reduces biofouling by using X-ray irradiation and ultraviolet-emitting materials to reduce bacterial growth and biofilms. Biofouling is a critical issue in membrane water and waste water treatment as it greatly compromises the efficiency of the treatment processes. It is difficult to control and results in increased operational costs and poor performance. Current anti-biofouling techniques involve chemical cleaning steps or antimicrobial surfaces which have proven inadequate over long-term operation for many feed waters. In contrast, Clemson University researchers have developed an anti-biofouling approach that can inactivate bacteria without introducing chemicals into the feed water and without pausing operation of the membrane treatment process. This is accomplished by incorporating radio-luminescent materials onto the module feed spacers and applying an external X-ray source to produce germicidal UVC within the membrane element.