Project Title: A new approach to study membrane fouling in a membrane bioreactor via Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Project Type: National Natural Science Foundation

Project No.: 20903076

Project Awardee: Cui Li

Project Abstract: Membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBR) is a serious problem restricting their widespread applications, because it induces flux decline and increases operating and maintenance costs. A better understanding of fouling process and mechanisms will greatly facilitate the development of effective methods to control fouling. However, due to various limits in the present detection techniques, fouling process and mechanism have not got fully understood. It is very necessary to develop new methods to investigate this process. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a promising technique allowing the non-invasive and in-situ fouling process study. Therefore, in this project, SERS will be founded as a new technique for the in-situ characterization of membrane fouling process. Time-lapse image of several typical foulants in the fouling process, like protein, polysaccharide will be obtained based on the analysis of change in their SERS intensity or intensity ratios. In addition, the influence of membrane material, transmembrane pressure and flow velocity on fouling process will be also investigated. Moreover, in view of fouling control, interaction between dominant foulants and other fouling species or between foulants and membrane, as well as influencing factors like pH, membrane materials will be also examined. This project will provide new information on fouling mechanism and clue for fouling control.

Period of Project: 2010.1-2012.12

Fund of Project: 190,000 RMB