Development of fouling resistant water treatment membranes with microbial sensing capabilities

ENVR 44

Cyndee L. Gruden, cgruden@eng.utoledo.edu1, Isabel Escobar, Isabel.Escobar@utoledo.edu2, Maria R. Coleman, macolema@eng.utoledo.edu2, Olga Mileyeva-Biebesheimer1, and Colleen Gorey2. (1) Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toledo, 3801 W. Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606, (2) Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Toledo, 3055 Nitschke Hall, Mail Stop 305, Toledo, OH 43606
Recent efforts aimed at minimizing membrane fouling have emphasized an increasing demand for on-line monitoring in an effort to accurately predict membrane performance. The overarching goal of this study was to develop an in situ bacterial monitoring system attached to the membrane surface. The surface of an ultrafiltration membrane (hydrophilic ceullulose acetate) was modified with the polymer brush, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) via a divinylsulfone spacer (DVS). A model biorecognition molecule (i.e., antibody) was attached to the membrane using carbodiimide (CDI). The antibody-HPC modified membrane was tested for its ability to detect a biofoulant (mycobacteria). Studies with model brushes and biorecognition molecules demonstrated that membranes could be readily modified with a combined fouling resistant layer and detection method. This method could be extended to developing selective detection media for a wide range of analytes. In addition, improving fouling resistance of membranes could lead to their use in a wide range of applications.
 

Recent Developments in Sensors and Sensor Networks for Contaminants in Environmental Systems
8:30 AM-11:45 AM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Beacon Hill Rm, Oral

Division of Environmental Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007