The effect of mechanical cleaning technology (MCT) on membrane fouling in a novel hybrid membrane photobioreactor (HMPBR) containing Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)

Abstract

Membrane fouling is considered in a novel hybrid membrane photobioreactor (HMPBR) including airlift, membrane, and granular particles. In microalgae systems, cake resistance is the main fouling resistance. To mitigate membrane fouling, this system works under varied granular packing ratios, such as 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5% (v/v). The results confirm the good effect of polymeric granules on the reduction of the cake resistance. Compared with the absence of granular particles, the addition of these particles up to 1.5% decreases cake resistance by 53%, whereas cake resistance is the most part of total fouling resistance. Regarding the major foulants, FTIR analysis demonstrates protein which has been known as a major foulant. Moreover, with the increase in the granular packing ratio, the protein concentration in the cake layer increases. This issue could be related to the increase in pore blocking owing to the blockage of the membrane pores and the inability of the protein-like substances to pass the membrane and stay on the membrane surface.