Removal of Microcystins by Ultrafiltration Membrane without Pre-Treatment

The removal efficiency and mechanisms of microcystins (MC-RR & MC-LR) from deionized water by ultrafiltration membrane(UF) were studied in the dead-end mode. The results showed that polyvinylchloride UF filtration alone could not efficiently and consistently remove microcystins, the rejection decreased over time from 26%(MC-RR) .. 42%(MC-LR) to 2% , 10%, respectively. The influence of relevant operating parameters such as flux, initial feed concentration was evaluated, which indicated that higher flux could improve the removal efficiency for both microcystins. The PVC UF should be combined with other conventional water treatment technologies such as activated carbon adsorption and coagulation and so on to remove microcystins in water. The dominant removal mechanisms of microcystins by PVC UF membrane may be hydrogen bonding adsorption and electrostatic attraction.