Investigating the Role of Membrane Pore Size Distribution in the Passage of Microorganisms and Solutes through Nanofiltration Membranes
研究膜孔径分布在微生物和溶质通过纳滤膜过程中的作用
Nanofiltration (NF) membranes, having properties partially overlapping those of reverse
osmosis and ultrafiltration membranes, have the potential capability for removing a broad
range of water pollutants including pathogens, organic substances, and inorganic
contaminants. Each of these contaminants may pass through a NF membrane by different
mechanisms. For example, the permeation of small inorganic molecules could take place
by sorption and subsequent diffusion in the membrane active layer, as well as by
advection through pores or imperfections produced during membrane manufacturing,
installation, or operation. In contrast, the passage of particles including microorganisms
through membranes might be mainly the result of advection through larger pores or
imperfections. Therefore, an accurate characterization of the pore size distribution (PSD)
of the membrane active layer and support layers might assist in elucidating the
performance of NF membranes with respect to various types of contaminants.
The objective of this study was to elucidate some of the mechanisms responsible for the
passage of viruses, organic solutes, and inorganic solutes through nanofiltration (NF)
membranes by characterizing the pore size distribution (PSD) of the membranes. Includes 5 references, tables, figures.