Low-voltage electric field applied into MBR for fouling suppression: Performance and mechanisms

摘要: Abstract A low-voltage electro-membrane bioreactor (e-MBR) for fouling alleviation was designed using stainless steel anodes and a membrane module containing titanium cathodes (Fe-MBR). The electric field applied intermittently once the suction pump stopped. Compared with another e-MBR (Ti-MBR) one MBR without an field, Fe-MBR had lower transmembrane pressure (TMP), less irreversible higher pollutant removals under intermittent voltage of 2.72 V current 0.1 A. Coagulation not obvious because no significant changes were observed in either particle size or zeta potential. induced backwash confirmed, by Ti-MBR, to be effective suppress fouling. force might prevent tight precipitation foulant on membrane’s surface make layers looser easier removed aeration. Besides, strong positive correlation obtained between indexes total organic carbon soluble microbial products (SMPs), suggesting that reduction SMPs could have resulted depression, related release iron. Thus, joint effects iron deducted fouling, ultimately lessened overall energy consumption estimation showed 10% more electricity consumed TMP reduce 30%, indicating would promising application.