Investigation of organic fouling of microfiltration membrane

Because the natural organic matters (NOMs) and proteins are the principal foulants of microfiltration membranes in drinking water, the primary aim of this paper is to obtain a better understanding of the interactions between those foulants and the microfiltration membrane from a novel view of coagulation. Based on reviewed literature and our own analysis, the authors consider that the behaviors of NOMs in the fouling of microfiltration membrane are like a form of crystal growth, and we recognize that the extent of the membrane hydrophobicity plays an essential role in NOMs fouling. However, proteins’ fouling is more affected by intermolecular interaction. Additionally, the effect of membrane surface chemistry is not as essential as it is in the situation of NOMs.