The purpose of this study is to understand virus removal mechanisms prior to the membrane in membrane bioreactors (MBR). This presentation will quantify the mechanisms that contribute to virus removal in MBRs; that is, sludge adsorption and biofilm exclusion. Single strain, labgrown male-specific (MS2) and somatic (T1) coliphages were used as virus surrogates to quantify the mechanistic contributions to virus removal. While sludge adsorption plays a significant role in coliphage removal, the biofilm provides an added layer of exclusion that cannot be overlooked. Pathogen removal by MBRs has shown to be substantial in that MBR is able to remove pathogens in line with evolving guidelines (i.e., WaterVal [Water Secure (2017)], WRF Project 4997 [Salveson (2021)]). Kubota flat sheet membranes have achieved human virus LRVs averaging 3.9 for adenovirus and 4.9 for enterovirus genomic copies. Protozoa LRVs have averaged 3.6 for Cryptosporidium and 5.3 for Giardia. The Kubota membranes have an average pore size of 0.2 ?m and are therefore reasoned to remove protozoa. Viruses, however, are much smaller in comparison to the pore size, but are being removed quite sufficiently. This study aims to further understand the contributing mechanistic factors involved in virus removal in Kubota flat sheet membrane systems.
This presentation is available to AMTA Members only.
Speaker
- Larry Morris
Company
- Kubota Membrane USA
Event
- AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference, Las Vegas
Session
- AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference
Date
- 02/22/22
Media
Keywords
- Pathogen Removal, MBR, LRV
Reference
- 9715-DP2836