title: Effect of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and cationic polymer on biofouling mitigation in hybrid MBRs.
abstract: In this study, the influence of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and cationic polymer (MPE50) was investigated on the fouling propensity in hybrid MBRs. Three laboratory scale MBRs were operated simultaneously including MBR(Control), MBR(PAC), and MBR(Polymer). Optimum dosages of PAC and polymer to the MBR(PAC) and MBR(Polymer), respectively were determined using jar tests. It was found that the MBR(PAC) exhibited low fouling tendency and prolonged filtration as compared to the other MBRs. Improved filtration in MBR(PAC) was attributed to the flocculation and adsorption phenomena. The effective stability of the biomass by PAC in the form of biological activated carbon (BAC) was verified by the increase in mean particle size. The BAC aided sludge layer exhibited porous cake structure resulting in the prolong filtration. However, both the membrane hybrid systems revealed effective adsorption of organic matter by 40% reduction in the soluble EPS concentration.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. s.jamal@iese.nust.edu.pk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jamal Khan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Visvanathan
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jegatheesan
mesh_terms: D019149:Bioreactors; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D002412:Cations; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011208:Powders
chemical_list: D002412:Cations; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D011208:Powders; D002244:Carbon