Performance-Enhancing Biomolecular Treatment Strategies for Naval Graywater Filtration Systems.

摘要

The primary objective of this research was to examine the feasibility of using immobilized-enzyme membranes to improve the performance and lifetime of a graywater filtration system. Enzyme-treated membranes were examined for increased flux relative to membranes without enzyme treatment. Of fifteen hydrolytic enzymes (seven proteases, six lipases, and two amylases) screened in soluble form for the ability to degrade synthetic graywater, Protease X from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus rokko showed the highest activity, and several enzymes (e.g., lipase Type II from porcine pancreas, and a-chymotrypsin from bovine pancreas) showed significant but lower activity. We also developed a new methodology for preparing biocatalytic films and paints based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which might be used as anti-fouling treatments for a wide variety of materials, including filters and membranes. Such enzyme treatments may increase the service lifetime and efficiency of filter membranes, resulting in dramatic cost savings and minimal maintenance for an eventual on- board graywater treatment system.