Threshold concentrations of biomass and iron for pressure drop increase in spiral-wound membrane elements

In a model feed channel for spiral-wound membranes the quantitative relationship of biomass and iron accumulation with pressure drop development was assessed. Biofouling was stimulated by the use of tap water enriched with acetate at a range of concentrations (1–1000 μg C l−1). Autopsies were performed to quantify biomass concentrations in the fouled feed channel at a range of Normalized Pressure Drop increase values (NPDi). Active biomass was determined with adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) and the concentration of bacterial cells with Total Direct Cell count (TDC). Carbohydrates (CH) were measured to include accumulated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The paired ATP and CH concentrations in the biofilm samples were significantly (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.62) correlated and both parameters were also significantly correlated with NPDi (p < 0.001). TDC was not correlated with the pressure drop in this study. The threshold concentration for an NPDi of 100% was 3.7 ng ATP cm−2 and for CH 8.1 μg CH cm−2. Both parameters are recommended for diagnostic membrane autopsy studies. Iron concentrations of 100–400 mg m−2 accumulated in the biofilm by adsorption were not correlated with the observed NPDi, thus indicating a minor role of Fe particulates at these concentrations in fouling of spiral-wound membrane.

Research highlights
► ATP and carbohydrates (CH) concentrations in spiral-wound membranes are correlated with pressure drop increase.
► Threshold concentrations for NPD increase are a few ng of ATP and μg of CH per cm2.
► ATP and CH valuable tools for diagnostic spiral-wound membrane autopsy.
► Fe concentrations of 10 μg/cm2 do not contribute to NPD in SW elements.