Understanding fouling behaviour of ultrafiltration membrane processes and natural water using principal component analysis of fluorescence excitation-emission matrices

摘要: Abstract Fouling is a major obstacle for maintaining efficient membrane-based drinking water treatment processes. Natural organic matter (NOM) components such as humic substances (HS)- and protein-like well colloidal/particulate are known to be the membrane foulants in ultrafiltration-based In this study, fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) approach was used characterization of these foulants. Unlike most NOM techniques, method can provide fast consistent analyses with high instrumental sensitivity. Principal component analysis (PCA) EEM measurements collected during cross-flow ultrafiltration river extract principal (PCs) that contained information relevant fouling. These PCs were related foulants, HS, present natural water. PC score revealed mostly contributed reversible HS- largely responsible irreversible fouling behaviour. Fluorescence EEMs extracted from membranes also different rejection characteristics two membranes, 60 kDa 20 kDa. The proposed proved suitable identifying foulant their contribution fouling, illustrating its potential monitoring controlling applications.