Fouling and Rejection Characteristic of Humic Substances in Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane

In this study, the ultrafiltration membrane for humic substance removal was prepared by blending polysulfone with a high concentration of PEG400 as additives. The influences of the additive to the fouling resistance capability and humic substances rejection of the polysulfone membrane were investigated. The addition of 35%wt of PEG400 concentration improved the pure water flux up to 200, but resulted in higher fouling resistance of humic substances. High concentration of PEG400 increased irreversible fouling and significantly reduced the flux recovery ratio of the membrane. More than 80% humic substances rejection is achieved when a high concentration of PEG400 was added into the membrane solution.