A number of studies reported in recent years have focused on optimizing the operation of
microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membrane systems from the perspective of
minimizing membrane fouling and ultimately lowering the cost of operation for drinking water
utilities. Some studies have reported the results from microbial challenge experiments, but
additional work is required to determine if the operating conditions that minimize fouling in
membrane systems also result in maximum removal of microbial contaminants. The objective of
this study is to investigate the roles that relevant operating conditions, and water quality
parameters have on the removal efficiency of microbial contaminants by UF membranes.
Includes 5 references, figures.