Evaluation of effluent organic matter fouling in ultrafiltration treatment using advanced organic characterisation techniques

► Ultrafiltration treatment was undertaken for five tertiary wastewater effluents. ► Advanced techniques were used for better characterisation of foulant layers. ► Biopolymer fraction was the most significantly reduced by UF treatment. ► The majority of rinsing layer comprised predominantly protein-enriched biopolymers. ► Tyrosine fluorescence intensity correlated well with associated hydraulic resistance.