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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfluidic Cross-flow System for Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Membrane Performance Testing
10:19

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EPS biofouling in membrane filtration: an analytic modeling study.

Albert S Kim1, Huaiqun Chen, Rong Yuan

  • 1Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2540 Dole Street, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. AlbertSK@hawaii.edu

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|August 29, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Biofouling, caused by exopolymeric substances (EPS), reduces mass transfer. This leads to decreased permeate flux in membrane processes like reverse osmosis and nanofiltration.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental science
  • Chemical engineering
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Biofouling is a major challenge in membrane processes, leading to reduced efficiency and increased operational costs.
  • Biofilms, composed of microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), are the primary cause of biofouling.
  • Understanding solute transport within biofilms is crucial for mitigating biofouling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To theoretically investigate the impact of biofilm structure and composition on solute transport.
  • To model solute transport within a biofilm, considering the role of exopolymeric substances (EPS).
  • To quantify the effect of EPS on mass transfer coefficients and permeate flux decline in membrane systems.

Main Methods:

  • A mathematical model was developed to simulate solute transport within a biofilm.

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  • The biofilm was modeled as a swarm of biocolloids surrounded by EPS.
  • A self-consistent method was used to simplify the biofilm structure into an equivalent spherical cell.

    • Main Results:

    • The physical presence of EPS was found to impede solute transport.
    • Reactions between EPS and solute ions further reduced the mass transfer coefficient.
    • These reductions significantly contribute to permeate flux decline in reverse osmosis and nanofiltration.

    Conclusions:

    • Exopolymeric substances play a critical role in reducing mass transfer during biofouling.
    • The developed model provides insights into the mechanisms of permeate flux decline in membrane processes.
    • Mitigation strategies targeting EPS interactions could enhance membrane performance and longevity.