Activity of metazoa governs biofilm structure formation and enhances permeate flux during Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) filtration

摘要: The impact of different feed waters in terms eukaryotic populations and organic carbon content on the biofilm structure formation permeate flux during Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) filtration was investigated this study. GDM performed at ultra-low pressure (65 mbar) dead-end mode without control formation. Different were tested (River water, pre-treated river lake tap water) varied with regard to their substrate predator community. River water manipulated either by chemically inhibiting all eukaryotes or filtering out macrozoobenthos (metazoan organisms). characterized meso- micro-scale using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Based Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements, provided highest potential for bacterial growth whereas had lowest. An increasing soluble particulate resulted accumulation membrane surface. However, enhanced did not result lower values mainly influenced biofilm. Metazoan organisms (in particular nematodes oligochaetes) built-up protective habitats, which open spatially heterogeneous biofilms composed biomass patches. In absence predation metazoan organisms, a flat compact developed. It is concluded that activity natural its balances detrimental effect high accumulation, thus allowing broader application filtration. Finally, our results suggest surface (POC) content, use worms suitable enhance POC removal before ultrafiltration units.