It is well known that microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes can remove
microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and protozoan (oo)cysts. In recent years, focus has been
placed on optimizing the operation of MF and UF membrane systems in an attempt to minimize
membrane fouling or maximize flux, and to lower the cost of operation for drinking water
production. Microbial challenge experiments have been used in some studies to monitor
membrane performance; however, additional work is necessary to determine if the operating
conditions that minimize fouling also result in maximum removal of microbial contaminants by
the membrane. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles that relevant operating
conditions and water quality parameters play in the removal efficiency of viruses by a specific
UF membrane. Includes 7 references, figures.