Effects of preadsorption by carbon black on membrane filtration of natural organic matter

This study aimed to assess the performance of two carbonaceous actsorbents, i.e. self-dispersible carbon black (CB) particles (130 nm) and powdered activated carbon (PAC; 151 mu m), in the hybrid treatment with microfiltration or ultrafiltration. It was revealed that, although the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal by CB was less than that by PAC, addition of CB prior to the membrane filtration significantly reduced membrane fouling, whereas PAC addition brought about a severe membrane fouling. The difference between these two actsorbents was explained by the dominance of aromatic organic matter in take water, selective adsorption of organics by the adsorbents, and a change of the cake structure of the adsorbents during the membrane filtration.