The application of non-oxidizing biocides to prevent biofouling in reverse osmosis polyamide membrane systems: A review
Date
2022
Authors
Da-Silva-Correa, Luiz H.
Smith, Hayley
Thibodeau, Matthew C.
Welsh, Bethany
Buckley, Heather L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AQUA - Water Infrastructure, Ecosystems and Society
Abstract
Biofouling of polyamide membranes is one of the main barriers faced by reverse osmosis (RO) technologies to supply fresh water. Currently, biofouling is addressed by feed water pretreatment using chlorine, followed by membrane cleaning. Chlorine damages polyamide membranes and also generates harmful disinfection byproducts. Thus, safer strategies are needed to prevent biofouling in polyamide membrane systems. This review investigates the applicability of the following non-oxidizing biocides in preventing and controlling biofouling in RO systems, including their antimicrobial efficiency, hazard levels, membrane compatibility, and applicability to drinking water treatment: (1) 2,2-dibromo-3 nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA); (2) 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT); (3) sodium bisulfite (SBS), (4) phenoxyethanol (PE), (5) sodium benzoate (SB). According to this review, MIT and DBNPA present most of the features attributed to an ideal anti-biofouling chemical but also are the most hazardous biocides. Due to safety and efficacy, none of the five chemicals were determined to be the final solution to address membrane biofouling. However, alternative RO biocide research is in early development and requires further investigation via biofouling prevention studies. Therefore, future research efforts on the investigation of economic, eco-friendly, and safe antifouling agents to prevent and treat biofouling in RO systems are paramount to promote sustainable water supply in water-stressed countries.
Description
This work was accomplished at the Civil Engineering Department, Green Safe Water Lab, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Keywords
biocides, biofouling prevention, efficacy, polyamide membranes, reverse osmosis, reverse osmosis, safety, water treatment, Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)
Citation
Da-Silva-Correa, L. H., Smith, H., Thibodeau, M. C., Welsh, B., & Buckley, H. L. (2022). The application of non-oxidizing biocides to prevent biofouling in reverse osmosis polyamide membrane systems: A review. AQUA - Water Infrastructure, Ecosystems and Society, 71(2), 261-292. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2022.118