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Purification of harvested rainwater using gravity-driven ceramic membrane: A visualization study combining Micro-CT
Mingfei Yang1, Yaohui Cai2, Juan Yu1
1College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Institute of Water-saving Agriculture in Arid Areas of China, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
Journal of Environmental Management
|December 2, 2024
Summary
Biofilms significantly reduce water flow through gravity-driven ceramic membranes (GDCMs) by altering surface pores. Uniform pore structures in GDCMs are more effective at maintaining water flux when biofilms are present.
Area of Science:
- Water purification
- Membrane science
- Environmental engineering
Background:
- Rainwater harvesting offers a solution for water-scarce regions, but harvested water requires purification.
- Gravity-driven ceramic membranes (GDCMs) are energy-efficient for purifying rainwater.
- The impact of biofilms on GDCM performance is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fouling mechanisms of biofilms on GDCMs.
- To understand how biofilms affect the pore and seepage properties of GDCMs.
- To identify optimal GDCM pore structures for maintaining flux under fouling conditions.
Main Methods:
- Integrated indoor seepage experiments with microcomputed tomography (micro-CT).
- Utilized COMSOL simulations to model biofilm impact.
- Analyzed changes in surface pore structure and seepage flux.
Main Results:
- Biofilm growth altered GDCM surface pore structure, increasing small pore sizes.
- Surface pore constriction led to a rapid reduction in seepage flux.
- Simulations showed high-pressure regions and obstructed flow paths due to biofilm attachment.
Conclusions:
- Biofilms primarily impact the surface pores of GDCMs, not internal ones.
- Uniform GDCM pore throat channels are more effective than complex ones for maintaining flux.
- Understanding biofilm fouling is crucial for optimizing rainwater purification systems.
