MBR-10: Alternative methods for fouling characterisation

KWB

1/2007 - 03/2009

Integrative, easy to perform methods are desired to describe the fouling tendency of a sludge at a given time and state. This project seeks to develop and evaluate alternative methods for fouling characaterisation.

As a practical approach to the fouling investigation, a new analytical method will be tested for its applicability in fouling characterisation. This method consists of the spectrophotometrical determination of acid mucopolysaccharides in sludge supernatant using Alcian Blue. Acid mucopolysaccharides are high-molecular-weight polymers that are composed of sugar residues and are secreted by a micro-organism into the surrounding environment. The actual method for PS determination in EPS measures all kind of polysaccharides and also the monosaccharides present in the supernatant, and not only those PS produced by the bacteria. This method is therefore more selective and, if this group of polysaccharides in supernatant are found to be related to membrane fouling, it could be a useful tool for fouling characterization.

In a second phase a method for proteins will be developed. Both methods will be evaluated using samples from different MBRs.