Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane fouling brought by algae-rich water controlling has been the research focus in recent years. The pretreatment of magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (m-PGMA) for sedimental tank effluent was investigated as well as its performance in combined UF processes. The optimal dose of m-PGMA was found to be 5 mL/L, which can bring a significant improvement to the removal efficiency of natural organic matter. With regards to membrane fouling, the use of m-PGMA also resulted in lowered irreversible and reversible membrane resistances in comparison with results obtained when operating without m-PGMA. In addition, four classic filtration models were introduced to analyse the fouling mechanisms. The proportion of standard blocking of pores has been weakened in the mechanism of membrane fouling when the pretreatment of m-PGMA exists. A very loose cake layer and relieved pore blockage were observed by scanning electron microscopy during m-PGMA/UF process.
Keywords: algae-rich water; magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) resin; natural organic matter; pretreatment; ultrafiltration membrane fouling.