Low-Pressure
Membrane Filtration for Pathogen Removal: Application, Implementation
and Regulatory Issues
Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) are low-pressure membrane
filtration processes that have gained considerable acceptance in the drinking
water industry over the past ten years. MF and UF are primarily used for
particle removal as stand-alone treatment, retrofit of existing conventional
treatment plants (as a replacement for conventional particle removal processes),
or as pretreatment to advanced processes such as nanofiltration (NF) and
reverse osmosis (RO). MF and UF have been demonstrated to be capable of
removing protozoa cysts to below detection, as well as meeting the turbidity
requirements of surface water treatment regulations.
The primary objective of this report is to summarize the current use
and status of membrane filtration technologies for drinking water applications
as well as the regulatory requirements that govern this technology. Specifically,
the report includes the following information:
- A summary of surface water treatment regulations
- An overview of membrane filtration technology
- A literature review summarizing the results of microbial challenge
studies
- A detailed description of commonly applied, membrane integrity monitoring
techniques
- A discussion of the relationship between membrane integrity and microbial
risk
- A summary of state regulatory requirements for membrane filtration
applied for pathogen removal
- A summary of treatment practices for operating membrane filtration
facilities
Low-Pressure
Membrane Filtration for Pathogen
Removal: Application, Implementation, and Regulatory Issues (1037 K PDF FILE, 148 pgs)
EPA 815-C-01-001
April 2001
The document is also available on CD-ROM from NCEPI and can be ordered by
going to www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ordering.htm.
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