This study highlights the importance of the type of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on the performance of an adsorption-MF hollow fiber membrane hybrid system. Submerged UF hollow fiber membrane with pore size of 0.4 μm was used along with the PAC in a single reaction thank to treat the wastewater. This procedure is different from the commonly adopted practice of having adsorption with PAC as a pretreatment step to membrane operation. This system is helpful in containing the PAC within one system, allows certain vaiation in feed characteristics and improves the effciency of the hybrid system. The overall performance of the membrane hybrid system was evaluted based on TOC removal, UV₂₅₄ absorbance, turbidity removal and flux development. It is important to select a right PAC type to be used in the hybrid system in order to minimize the PAC dose and to enhance the performance. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon had a greater influence on overall performance of the hybrid system than other physical properties of the PACs and must be given greater consideration when selecting the PAC for the membrane hybrid system. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) analysis of the cake deposit over the membrane helps to support the reason for moderate retention of organics.

Microfiltration Submerged Hollow Fiber Membrane Hybrid System Activated Carbon

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