Bio-fouling in membrane processes: micro-organism/surface interactions, hydrodynamic detachment method Original Research Article

Bio-fouling is the principal problem met with membrane filtration in biological suspensions treatment, in particular in the case of membranes made of sintered clay which have a low resistance to chemical washing; we are interesting, in this work, to the bioadhesion which is the cause. At first, by the characterization of the particle/surface interactions; and then, by the study of a hydrodynamic detachment technique which could allow the break up of this bioadhesion and, thus, the membrane die-fouling. The results of the experimental study using the specially designed shear stress flow chamber show that micro-organism/support adhesion can be broken by the only effect of this force, and that the recourse to the chemical attack is not necessary. We, therefore, recommended luting against the biofilm fouling a hydrodynamic washing method by the application of a shear stress. And consequently, the ceramic membranes with low resistance to chemical washing would be adequate for the use in a bioreactor thanks to the adaptation of this technique.