Membrane fouling due to dynamic particle size changes in the aerated hybrid PAC-MF system

► We demonstrated the effects of dynamic particle size changes and degradation and accumulation of suspended solids (SS) on MF membrane fouling. ► The presence of PAC reduced the membrane resistance and fouling frequency. ► Biofiltration lessens fouling considerably, more than the addition of PAC alone. ► Smaller particles did not play important role in membrane fouling due to the presence of PAC. ► The net accumulation of SS controlled the performance of the hybrid PAC-MF system.