The potential of SAPO-44 zeolite filler in fouling mitigation of polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane

► PSf/PVA/SAPO-44 membranes were prepared to mitigate fouling by humic acid. ► Blending 15 wt% of SAPO-44 caused water permeability to increase 164 %. ► SAPO-44 zeolite was weakly adhered to the macropous layer in asymmetric membranes. ► Embedded zeolite reduced fouling which is initiated from pore blocking.