Membrane autopsy of a 10 year old hollow fibre membrane from Sydney Olympic Park water reclamation plant Original Research Article

Membrane autopsy was performed for a 10 year old polypropylene (PP) hollow fibre microfiltration membrane from Sydney Olympic Park water reclamation plant. The properties of the membrane were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, contact angle, bubble test, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile strength test and functional group. The old and fouled membrane exhibited a significant difference in surface properties and material strength in comparison to the virgin membrane. The old and fouled membrane surface is less hydrophilic and less negatively charged indicating that aged membrane is more vulnerable to fouling than virgin membrane. The fibre material of the old fouled membrane appears less flexible and brittle. Foulant analysis indicated that major components of the metallic elements were silicon and calcium. The dissolved organic matter was mainly composed of biopolymers (hydrophilic) and humic substances (hydrophobic).