Water Supply Vol 2 No 5-6 pp 367–371 © IWA Publishing 2002
The role of pH on the ultrafiltration for drinking water production in Algarve (Portugal)
M. Ribau Teixeira*, H. Lucas** and M.J. Rosa***
*Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment, University of Algarve, 8000-117 Faro, Portugal
**Águas do Algarve, SA, Rua do Repouso 10, 8000-302 Faro, Portugal
***Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment, University of Algarve, 8000-117 Faro, Portugal
ABSTRACT
The effect of the pH on the ultrafiltration performance of natural surface waters with moderate NOM content was evaluated at a laboratory scale using a plate-and-frame polysulphone membrane of 47 kDa MWCO. The results at three different pH values (acid, neutral and basic) demonstrated the important role of the pH on the ultrafiltration (UF) performance controlling the membrane - fouling matter interactions. The higher fluxes and lower natural organic matter (NOM) rejections obtained, at basic pH when compared to acid pH, are explained in terms of the variation of membrane and NOM charge, due to electrostatic repulsion and adsorption effects.
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