This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of the project objective of examining the effect of algogenic organic matter (AOM) on reverse osmosis
(RO) membranes during desalination. RO experiments were performed on a semi-automated
bench-scale system. A test of algal-laden "red tide" seawater resulted in
significant flux decline. It was determined that unicellular marine dinoflagellate algae are the cause of
red tide events. Fluorescence microscopy can be used to evaluate and
count algal cells. A set of AOM fractionation experiments was
performed. Experimental results have the following implications for full-scale
operation, including:
fairly high levels of organic matter cause
only minor short-term flux decline;
AOM does accumulate in thick layers;
membrane resistance is much higher than
cake-layer resistance;
bench-scale tests should include autopsy;
frequent cleanings are suggested even when
performance is steady; shearing of algal cells releases dissolved
AOM; and,
inlet structures and pretreatment technologies
should be designed for low shear if possible. Techniques developed during this research could be
valuable for future work, including the following:
fluorescence measurements of foulants
could help distinguish between algogenic
and bacterial fouling;
the dichotomy of algae and bacteria can
be explored; and,
pretreatment strategies can be developed
to remove algal cells and minimize AOM
release. Includes figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 3.3 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 28 |
| Published : | 11/01/2008 |
