Application of a PAC-Membrane Hybrid System for Removal of Organics from Secondary Sewage Effluent: Experiments and Modelling

Abstract

As world supplies of clean, fresh water come under increasing pressure
\nand the need for water reuse rises, membrane technology is becoming
\nincreasingly important as a possible solution. However, membrane
\nfouling is a major obstacle to the successful operation of the membrane
\nprocess in wastewater treatment.
\nIn this study, a submerged hollow-fiber membrane with powdered
\nactivated carbon (PAC) adsorption was investigated for the removal of
\norganics from secondary sewage effluent from a sewage treatment plant.
\nThe use of PAC in the membrane system was found to be very effective, not only in removing refractory organics, but also in reducing membrane
\nclogging. A simple mathematical model was developed to predict the
\neffluent quality [in terms of total organic carbon (TOC)] of the submerged
\nmembrane-adsorption hybrid system.