We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Review of New Approaches for Fouling Mitigation in Membrane Separation Processes in Water Treatment Applications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined new antifouling strategies for membrane separation processes in water treatment, analyzing how organic matter including nano/microplastics, inorganic particles, and biological matter cause membrane fouling, and evaluating nanomaterial-based and other emerging mitigation approaches.
This review investigates antifouling agents used in the process of membrane separation (MS), in reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), microfiltration (MF), membrane distillation (MD), and membrane bioreactors (MBR), and clarifies the fouling mechanism. Membrane fouling is an incomplete substance formed on the membrane surface, which will quickly reduce the permeation flux and damage the membrane. Foulant is colloidal matter: organic matter (humic acid, protein, carbohydrate, nano/microplastics), inorganic matter (clay such as potassium montmorillonite, silica salt, metal oxide, etc.), and biological matter (viruses, bacteria and microorganisms adhering to the surface of the membrane in the case of nutrients) The stability and performance of the tested nanometric membranes, as well as the mitigation of pollution assisted by electricity and the cleaning and repair of membranes, are reported. Physical, chemical, physico-chemical, and biological methods for cleaning membranes. Biologically induced biofilm dispersion effectively controls fouling. Dynamic changes in membrane foulants during long-term operation are critical to the development and implementation of fouling control methods. Membrane fouling control strategies show that improving membrane performance is not only the end goal, but new ideas and new technologies for membrane cleaning and repair need to be explored and developed in order to develop future applications.
More Papers Like This
Recent advances on micro/nanoplastic pollution and membrane fouling during water treatment: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed recent advances in understanding how micro- and nanoplastics contribute to membrane fouling during water treatment processes. The study found that while membrane separation effectively removes microplastics from wastewater effluent, fouling caused by plastic particles along with dissolved organics and extracellular polymers remains a key obstacle, and understanding the fouling mechanisms is critical for improving treatment efficiency.
Membrane Fouling by Nano/Micro Plastics: Challenges and Potential Mitigation Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This is a conference abstract on membrane fouling caused by nano- and microplastics in water treatment systems, presented at the 2021 International Symposium on Plastic Pollution. It examines challenges and potential mitigation strategies for maintaining membrane performance.
Mitigation of membrane particulate fouling by nano/microplastics via physical cleaning strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This study assessed physical cleaning strategies for removing nano- and microplastic fouling from membrane surfaces used in water treatment, finding that backwashing and chemical cleaning effectiveness varied by plastic particle size and surface charge.
Microplastics fouling and interaction with polymeric membranes: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined microplastic fouling of polymeric membranes used in water treatment, analyzing how MPs affect membrane permeability and rejection performance, and discussing strategies — including surface modification and pre-treatment — to mitigate fouling.
Membrane Technologies at the Frontier: A Review of Advanced Solutions for Microplastics and Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater
AI summary Read the abstract
This review evaluates advanced membrane-based technologies for removing microplastics and emerging contaminants from wastewater, covering mechanisms such as size exclusion, adsorption, and biodegradation. Researchers identified membrane fouling as the primary constraint on operational efficiency, with different fouling types contributing to reduced water flow and increased energy costs. The study outlines future directions including intelligent membranes, AI-driven monitoring systems, and circular economy approaches to sustainable wastewater treatment.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.