Ultrasound Catalyzed Ozone Pretreatment to Reduce Organic Fouling of Reverse Osmosis Membranes

摘要

An evaluation was made of an ozone-ultrasound pretreatment process to reduce fouling tendencies of reverse osmosis membranes by organics (humic, fulvic acid), organics interacting with inorganic colloids (silicon dioxide) and biological matter (secondary treated and clarified domestic wastewater). The untreated and treated samples were characterized by various physical and chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, and total organic carbon, while the reduction in fouling potential was evaluated with the use of a newly developed mini-plugging factor test.