Controlling biofilm growth using reactive ceramic ultrafiltration membranes

Fouling due to biofilms composed primarily of microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substances is a significant hindrance to membrane filtration in water treatment. The goal of this work was to use a reactive membrane surface to reduce membrane biofouling by coating a ceramic ultrafiltration membrane with the nanoparticulate photocatalyst, TiO2. 10-Day biofilm growth experiments were conducted to determine the effect of photocatalytic coatings on the formation of a Pseudomonas putida biofilm and subsequent changes in membrane flux. Results indicate that a highly hydrophilic, photoreactive coating of mixed phase TiO2 nanoparticles is effective for the control of biofouling on ceramic ultrafiltration membranes.