As submerged membranes are considered for use in more diverse and challenging
waters, optimization of pretreatment can be the decisive factor in determining the
success of the submerged membrane technology. Each application of submerged
membranes is developed to meet particular finished water treatment goals.
Accomplishing these goals may be dependent on the pretreatment selection for an
individual water. Based on data from a group of pilot scale evaluations on a variety of
surface water supplies, the potential pretreatment options are compared to the treatment
goals for each water source. The resulting matrix of pretreatment and treatment goals
forms the basis for decision making regarding the appropriate pretreatment for a given water. Includes tables.