Biofilm prevention on photoreactive ceramic membranes

ENVR 88

Shannon Ciston, s-ciston@northwestern.edu, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Rd., Rm A225, Evanston, IL 60208, Richard M. Lueptow, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Rd, Rm B214, Evanston, IL 60208, and Kimberly Gray, k-gray@northwestern.edu, Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3109.
Growing stresses on water supplies worldwide necessitate the efficient use and reuse of fresh water. Membrane filtration can be used to purify even low-quality sources. However, biofouling and biofilm growth are major obstacles for membrane filtration because they cause dramatic losses in efficiency and system flux. By coating ceramic ultrafiltration membranes with TiO2, we have created a photoreactive membrane that resists fouling and biofilm growth by improving hydrophilicity, inactivating microorganisms and degrading organics. In recent work we have identified Degussa P25 as a strong candidate for biofilm prevention based on its excellent bacterial cell attachment resistance and high organic degradation activity. In this study, we perform long-term biofilm growth experiments with Pseudomonas putida on ceramic membrane discs coated with Degussa P25 photocatalyst. We find reduced biofilm growth and reduced flux decline for membranes with the reactive coating. We will present findings from our bacterial attachment studies and biofilm growth experiments.
 

Membrane Technology for Water Treatment and Reuse
1:30 PM-5:10 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 237, Oral

Division of Environmental Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008