Effect of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on membrane fouling: A case study of full-scale treatment plant

Bahar Yavuztürk Gül; Mehmet Emin Paşaoğlu; Sevde Korkut; Bihter Zeytuncu Gökoğlu; İsmail Koyuncu

doi:10.35208/ert.1737693

Authors

Bahar Yavuztürk Gül Istanbul Technical University, National Research Center on Membrane Technologies https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5048-7879
Mehmet Emin Paşaoğlu Istanbul Technical University, National Research Center on Membrane Technologies https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1152-8823
Sevde Korkut Istanbul Technical University, National Research Center on Membrane Technologies https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1230-1404
Bihter Zeytuncu Gökoğlu Istanbul Technical University, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3691-7000
İsmail Koyuncu Istanbul Technical University, National Research Center on Membrane Technologies https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8354-1889

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1737693

Keywords:

EPS, membrane, fouling, UF–RO system

Abstract

Severe and rapid fouling occurred in the ultrafiltration–reverse osmosis (UF–RO) system of an automotive company’s treatment plant using water from Sapanca Lake, Turkey. Despite membrane replacement and additional pre-treatment, blockage reappeared within seconds of operation. To identify the cause, effluents from each treatment unit and 0.45 µm cartridge filters were analyzed using TOC, SDI, SEM, FTIR, and SMP–EPS analyses. Results revealed that carbohydrate-based extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with gel-like structures and particle sizes exceeding 0.45 µm were the primary foulants. The investigated fouling event, which coincided with the spring season, was likely intensified by the increased microbial EPS release characteristic of algal blooms. Regular EPS monitoring is recommended to prevent similar fouling events in biologically active water sources.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1]. W. Guo, H.-H. Ngo, and J. Li, “A mini-review on membrane fouling,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 122, pp. 27–34, Oct. 2012, doi: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2012.04.089.

[2]. F. Saffarimiandoab, B. Yavuzturk Gul, R. Sengur Tasdemir, B. Kose Mutlu, S. Erkoc Ilter, S. Unal, B. Tunaboylu, Y. Z. Menceloglu, V. Vatanpour, and I. Koyuncu, “Mechanisms, diagnosis, and monitoring of biofouling in membrane processes: a review,” Desalination and Water Treatment, 2022, doi: 10.5004/dwt.2022.28045.

[3]. S. Tsuneda, S. Park, H. Hayashi, J. Jung, and A. Hirata, “Enhancement of nitrifying biofilm formation using selected EPS produced by heterotrophic bacteria,” Water Science and Technology, vol. 43, no. 6, pp. 197–204, Mar. 2001, doi: 10.2166/wst.2001.0374.

[4]. T. Matsuura, Synthetic Membranes and Membrane Separation Processes. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2020. doi: 10.1201/9781003068037.

[5]. W. Huang, H. Chu, B. Dong, M. Hu, and Y. Yu, “A membrane combined process to cope with algae blooms in water,” Desalination, vol. 355, pp. 99–109, Jan. 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2014.09.037.

[6]. Y. Zhang and Q. Fu, “Algal fouling of microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes and control strategies: A review,” Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 203, pp. 193–208, Sep. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2018.04.040.

[7]. B. S. Park, J. H. Kim, J.-H. Kim, S. H. Baek, and M.-S. Han, “Intraspecific bloom succession in the harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides (Dinophyceae) extended the blooming period in Korean coastal waters in 2009,” Harmful Algae, vol. 71, pp. 78–88, Jan. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.hal.2017.12.004.

[8]. X. Jia, L. Hou, Z. Pan, W. Chen, K. Wang, B. Fan, J. Lyu, Y. Wang, J. Li, and X. Liu, “Research hotspots and application of algal extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in wastewater treatment and resources recovery,” Desalination, vol. 600, p. 118510, May 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2024.118510.

[9]. W. Zhang, W. Zhang, X. Zhang, P. Amendola, Q. Hu, and Y. Chen, “Characterization of dissolved organic matters responsible for ultrafiltration membrane fouling in algal harvesting,” Algal Research, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 223–229, Jul. 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.algal.2013.05.002.

[10]. A. K. Ahangar and M. Taghavijeloudar, “Desalination and extraction of high value bio-products from algal-rich seawater using Rhamnolipid as a bio draw solution in forward osmosis,” Desalination, vol. 568, p. 117017, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2023.117017.

[11]. Y. Li, M. Li, K. Xiao, and X. Huang, “Reverse osmosis membrane autopsy in coal chemical wastewater treatment: Evidences of spatially heterogeneous fouling and organic-inorganic synergistic effect,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 246, p. 118964, Feb. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118964.

[12]. Z. Wang, Z. Wu, and S. Tang, “Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) properties and their effects on membrane fouling in a submerged membrane bioreactor,” Water Research, vol. 43, no. 9, pp. 2504–2512, May 2009, doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.02.026.

[13]. J. Teng, M. Wu, J. Chen, H. Lin, and Y. He, “Different fouling propensities of loosely and tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the related fouling mechanisms in a membrane bioreactor,” Chemosphere, vol. 255, p. 126953, Sep. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126953.

[14]. M. Herzberg, S. Kang, and M. Elimelech, “Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Biofouling of Reverse Osmosis Membranes,” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 43, no. 12, pp. 4393–4398, Jun. 2009, doi: 10.1021/es900087j.

[15]. X. Meng, D. Luosang, S. Meng, R. Wang, W. Fan, D. Liang, X. Li, Q. Zhao, and L. Yang, “The structural and functional properties of polysaccharide foulants in membrane fouling,” Chemosphere, vol. 268, p. 129364, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129364.

[16]. Richard. Baker, Membrane technology and applications. Wiley, 2013. Accessed: Oct. 07, 2021.

[17]. S. S. A. Shah, L. De Simone, G. Bruno, H. Park, K. Lee, M. Fabbricino, I. Angelidaki, and K.-H. Choo, “Quorum quenching, biological characteristics, and microbial community dynamics as key factors for combating fouling of membrane bioreactors,” npj Clean Water, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1–11, Mar. 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41545-021-00110-9.

[18]. O. Lowry, N. Rosebrough, A. L. Farr, and R. Randall, “Protein measurement with the folin phenol reagent,” Journal of Biological Chemistry, vol. 193, no. 1, pp. 265–275, Nov. 1951, doi: 10.1016/S0021-9258(19)52451-6.

[19]. M. DuBois, K. A. Gilles, J. K. Hamilton, P. A. Rebers, and F. Smith, “Colorimetric method for determination of sugars and related substances,” Analytical Chemistry, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 350–356, Mar. 1956, doi: 10.1021/ac60111a017.

[20]. H.-C. Flemming and J. Wingender, “The biofilm matrix,” Nature Reviews Microbiology, vol. 8, no. 9, pp. 623–633, Sep. 2010, doi: 10.1038/nrmicro2415.

[21]. E. Castilla-Rodriguez and H. Zhou, “Organic Compounds Responsible for the Fouling of Ultrafiltration Membrane Treating Algae-Laden Water,” Membranes, vol. 13, no. 9, Art. no. 9, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.3390/membranes13090787.

[22]. M. Jafari, A. D'haese, J. Zlopasa, E.R. Cornelissen, J.S. Vrouwenvelder, K. Verbeken, A. Verliefde, M.C.M. van Loosdrecht, and C. Picioreanu, “A comparison between chemical cleaning efficiency in lab-scale and full-scale reverse osmosis membranes: Role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS),” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 609, p. 118189, Aug. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118189.

[23]. J. Haberkamp, M. Ernst, U. Böckelmann, U. Szewzyk, and M. Jekel, “Complexity of ultrafiltration membrane fouling caused by macromolecular dissolved organic compounds in secondary effluents,” Water Res, vol. 42, no. 12, pp. 3153–3161, Jun. 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2008.03.007.

[24]. A. Kassem, L. Abbas, O. Coutinho, S. Opara, H. Najaf, D. Kasperek, K. Pokhrel, X. Li, and S. Tiquia-Arashiro, “Applications of Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy in microbial cell biology and environmental microbiology: advances, challenges, and future perspectives,” Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 14, Nov. 2023, doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1304081.

[25]. J. Edzwald, Ed., Water Quality & Treatment: A Handbook on Drinking Water, 6th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2011. Accessed: Dec. 01, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.accessengineeringlibrary.com/content/book/9780071630115

[26]. M. Yan, X. Shen, B. Gao, K. Guo, and Q. Yue, “Coagulation-ultrafiltration integrated process for membrane fouling control: Influence of Al species and SUVA values of water,” Science of The Total Environment, vol. 793, p. 148517, Nov. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148517.

[27]. Y.-T. Zuo, S. Cheng, H.-H. Jiang, Y.-Z. Han, W.-X. Ji, Z. Wang, Q. Zhou, A.-M. Li, and W.-T. Li, “Release and removal of algal organic matter during prechlorination and coagulation treatment of cyanobacteria-laden water: Are we on track?” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 824, p. 153793, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153793.

[28]. D. J. Barker and D. C. Stuckey, “A review of soluble microbial products (SMP) in wastewater treatment systems,” Water Research, vol. 33, no. 14, pp. 3063–3082, Oct. 1999, doi: 10.1016/S0043-1354(99)00022-6.

[29]. Q. Li, Y. Niu, P. Xing, and C. Wang, “Bioactive polysaccharides from natural resources including Chinese medicinal herbs on tissue repair,” Chinese Medicine, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 7, Dec. 2018, doi: 10.1186/s13020-018-0166-0.

[30]. F. Ye, Y. Ye, and Y. Li, “Effect of C/N ratio on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and physicochemical properties of activated sludge flocs,” J Hazard Mater, vol. 188, no. 1–3, pp. 37–43, Apr. 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.01.043.

[31]. M. M. T. Khan, P. S. Stewart, D. J. Moll, W. E. Mickols, S. E. Nelson, and A. K. Camper, “Characterization and effect of biofouling on polyamide reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membrane surfaces.,” Biofouling, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 173–183, Feb. 2011, doi: 10.1080/08927014.2010.551766.

[32]. L. Huang, Y. Jin, D. Zhou, L. Liu, S. Huang, Y. Zhao, and Y. Chen, “A review of the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in wastewater treatment systems,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 19, p. 12191, Sep. 2022, doi: 10.3390/ijerph191912191.

[33]. P. Le-Clech, Y. Marselina, R. M. Stuetz, and V. Chen, “Fouling visualisation of soluble microbial products models in MBRs.” Desalination, 2006. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2006.03.110.

[34]. S. Liang, C. Liu, and L. Song, “Soluble microbial products in membrane bioreactor operation: Behaviors, characteristics, and fouling potential,” Water Research, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 95–101, Jan. 2007, doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2006.10.008.

[35]. M. M. T. Khan, S. Takizawa, Z. Lewandowski, M. H. Rahman, K. Komatsu, S. E. Nelson, F. Kurisu, A. K. Camper, H. Katayama, and S. Ohgaki, “Combined effects of EPS and HRT enhanced biofouling on a submerged and hybrid PAC-MF membrane bioreactor,” Water Research, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 747–757, Feb. 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.10.048.

[36]. A. Atmakuri, B. Yadav, B. Tiwari, P. Drogui, R. D. Tyagi, and J. W. C. Wong, “Nature’s architects: a comprehensive review of extracellular polymeric substances and their diverse applications,” Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy, Jul. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s42768-024-00205-2.

[37]. Z. Ma, X. Wen, F. Zhao, Y. Xia, X. Huang, D. Waite, and J. Guan, “Effect of temperature variation on membrane fouling and microbial community structure in membrane bioreactor,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 133, pp. 462–468, Apr. 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.01.023.

[38]. X. Zhou, B. Manna, B. Lyu, and N. Singhal, “Linking Oxygen-Induced Oxidative Stress to Resource Recovery by Enhancing the Production of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Activated Sludge Microbial Communities,” Apr. 29, 2025, bioRxiv. doi: 10.1101/2025.04.29.651171.

[39]. S. Malamis and A. Andreadakis, “Fractionation of proteins and carbohydrates of extracellular polymeric substances in a membrane bioreactor system,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 100, no. 13, pp. 3350–3357, Jul. 2009, doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.01.053.

[40]. Y. Liu, “Characterization of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Biological Wastewater Treatment Systems,” University of Guelph, 2018. Accessed: Dec. 19, 2024. [Online]. Available: http://hdl.handle.net/10214/12999

[41]. U. Passow, R. F. Shipe, A. Murray, D. K. Pak, M. A. Brzezinski, and A. L. Alldredge, “The origin of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and their role in the sedimentation of particulate matter,” Continental Shelf Research, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 327–346, Mar. 2001, doi: 10.1016/S0278-4343(00)00101-1.

[42]. Z. Zhang, M. Chen, J. Li, B. Zhao, and L. Wang, “Significance of transparent exopolymer particles derived from aquatic algae in membrane fouling,” Arabian Journal of Chemistry, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 4577–4585, Mar. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2019.10.004.

[43]. T. T. Nguyen, C. Lee, R. W. Field, and I. S. Kim, “Insight into organic fouling behavior in polyamide thin-film composite forward osmosis membrane: Critical flux and its impact on the economics of water reclamation,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 606, no. December 2019, p. 118118, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118118.

[44]. C. Nuengjamnong, J. Cho, C. Polprasert, and K.-H. Ahn, “Extracellular polymeric substances’ influence on membrane fouling and cleaning during microfiltration process,” Water Supply, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 141–148, Jan. 2006, doi: 10.2166/ws.2006.016.

[45]. K. Kierek‐Pearson and E. Karatan, “Biofilm Development in Bacteria,” in Advances in Applied Microbiology, vol. 57, Academic Press, 2005, pp. 79–111. doi: 10.1016/S0065-2164(05)57003-5.

[46]. R. D. Holbrook, M. J. Higgins, S. N. Murthy, A. D. Fonseca, E. J. Fleischer, G. T. Daigger, T. J. Grizzard, N. G. Love, and J. T. Novak, “Effect of alum addition on the performance of submerged membranes for wastewater treatment,” Water Environment Research, vol. 76, no. 7, pp. 2699–2702, 2004.

[47]. D. Park, D. S. Lee, and J. M. Park, “Continuous biological ferrous iron oxidation in a submerged membrane bioreactor,” Water Science and Technology, vol. 51, no. 6–7, pp. 59–68, 2005.

[48]. Z. Allie, E. P. Jacobs, A. Maartens, and P. Swart, “Enzymatic cleaning of ultrafiltration membranes fouled by abattoir effluent,” Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 218, no. 1, pp. 107–116, Jul. 2003, doi: 10.1016/S0376-7388(03)00145-5.

[49]. M. Loiselle and K. W. Anderson, “The use of cellulase in inhibiting biofilm formation from organisms commonly found on medical implants,” Biofouling, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 77–85, Apr. 2003, doi: 10.1080/0892701021000030142.

[50]. B. Wu, X. Chai, and Y. Zhao, “Enhanced dewatering of waste-activated sludge by composite hydrolysis enzymes,” Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 627–639, Apr. 2016, doi: 10.1007/s00449-016-1544-6.

[51]. M. Abu-Orf, S. Dentel, D. Dursun, and M. Turkmen, “Pilot-scale evaluation of enzyme pre-treatment to enhance dewatering: effects of shear and polymer,” Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, vol. 2007, no. 3, p. 1180, 2007, doi: 10.2175/193864707787976236.