Ozone oxidation for the alleviation of membrane fouling by natural organic matter: A review

Membrane fouling by natural organic matter is one of the main problems that slow down the application of membrane technology in water treatment. O3 is able to efficiently change the physico-chemical characteristics of natural organic matter in order to reduce membrane fouling. This paper presents the state-of-the-art knowledge of the reaction mechanisms between natural organic matter and molecular O3 or OH radicals, together with an in-depth discussion of the interactions between natural organic matter and membranes that govern membrane fouling, inclusive the effect of O3 oxidation on it.

► Membrane fouling by natural organic matter (NOM) is a major problem.
► The use of O3 oxidation holds great promise to alleviate membrane fouling by NOM.
► The current knowledge of the reaction between NOM and O3/OH is presented.
► Fouling reduction is explained in terms of four interaction mechanisms.