from the conferences organized by TANGER Ltd.
Membrane biofouling limits widespread using of membrane technology in different fields. Several ways how to restrict this negative effect and achieve improving in long-term membrane filtration performances have been tested so far. Membrane modification by silver in the nanometre size-range can be a promising option for achieving high and long-term membrane permeabilities as well as antimicrobial features. Commercially available ultrafiltration membrane NADIR® UP 150 (commonly used for wastewater treatment) was modified by nanosilver. Modification methods were based on i) diffusion of silver together with its subsequent reduction, and ii) silver-doped nanofibers. Changes in permeabilities, antimicrobial properties, silver leaching and contact angles of modified membranes were examined.While the membrane modified by diffusion method revealed higher permeabilities with demineralized water as well as diluted activated sludge, membrane modified through silver-doped nanofibers showed lower permeabilities, when comparing to unmodified one. The results of filtration tests well corresponded with contact angles which showed higher hydrophilic character of membranes modified through diffusion method. Both modified membranes also exhibited strong antimicrobial features and low silver leaching over time.
Keywords: Antibacterial properties, fouling, membrane modification, nanofibers, nanosilver, wastewater© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.