Performances of submerged membrane photocatalysis reactor during treatment of humic substances

During the disinfection of potable water, humic substances present in the solution react withchlorine to form potential carcinogenic compounds. This study evaluates the feasibility of using asubmerged membrane photocatalysis reactor (SMPR) process for treatment of humic substances throughthe characterization of both organic removal efficiency and membrane hydraulic performance. A simpleSMPR was operated and led to the removal of up to 83% of the polluting humic matters. Temporal ratesof organic removal and membrane fouling were found to decrease with filtration time. Using tightermembrane in the hybrid process resulted in not only higher organic removal, but also more significantmembrane fouling. Under the experimental conditions tested, optimum TiO 2 concentration for humicremoval was found to be 0.6 g/L, and increasing initial pollutant concentration expectedly resulted in amore substantial membrane fouling. The importance of the influent nature and pollutant characteristics inthis type of treatment was also assessed as various water sources were tested (model humic acid solutionvs. local water containing natural organic matters). Results from this study revealed the promising natureof the SMPR process as an alternative technique for organic removal in the existing water treatment system.