REVERSIBILITY OF BACTERIAL ADHESION ONTO ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES CONTAINING POLYACRYLONITRlLE-GRAFT-POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE) COMB COPOLYMER ADDITIVES

摘要

A major challenge in long-term operation of membrane filtration is the growth of biofilm on membrane surfaces, or biofouling. Biofouling leads to use of higher operating pressures, more frequent chemical cleaning, short membrane life and compromised product water quality. Designing membranes that resist fouling is, therefore, of utmost importance for sustainable use of membrane technology for clean water production.