Driving force shapes the biocake characteristics in membrane-based bioreactors

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Microbiology

Background:

• Membrane fouling is a major challenge in membrane-based reactors.
• The driving force significantly impacts fouling, including biocake formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differences between biocakes formed under transmembrane pressure (TMP) and forward osmosis (FO) conditions.
• To analyze biocake components, spatial structures, and microbial communities under different driving forces.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of biocakes formed under TMP and FO conditions.
• Utilized clustering and correlation analyses to identify influencing factors.
• Employed particle image velocimetry to assess foulant adhesion mechanisms.

Main Results:

• MF-biocakes (TMP) exhibited greater diversity in foulants, microbes, and metabolic products than FO-biocakes.
• MF-biocake formation was linked to dead cells, EPS, and physicochemical parameters.
• FO-biocake formation was primarily influenced by live cells and adhesion forces.
• MF-biocake formation involved nonselective adsorption, while FO-biocake formation showed selective adhesion.

Conclusions:

• Distinct characteristics of biocakes are formed under TMP and FO driving forces.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted fouling control strategies.