Pulsed marker method for real-time detection of reverse osmosis membrane integrity loss

Abstract Real-time membrane integrity monitoring is critically needed in order to ensure that reverse osmosis (RO) treatment and desalination processes provide a reliable barrier against the passage of pathogens for potable reuse applications. A pulsed marker membrane integrity monitoring (PM-MIM) method was developed for real-time assessment of RO membrane integrity. The sensitivity of the PM-MIM method was evaluated, using a fluorescent molecular marker, in a plate-and-frame RO (PFRO) membrane system with intact and compromised membranes (induced mechanically and via chemical oxidation). Analysis of the marker permeate concentration–time profiles, in response to a controlled marker feed pulse, allowed unambiguous detection of marker enhanced passage, which was indicative of membrane integrity loss. The PM-MIM approach, which is capable of demonstrating log removal value (LRV) above 4 for a fluorescent molecular marker (smaller in size than pathogens) should be suitable for providing a conservative estimate of pathogens LRV. However, regulatory acceptability of the present real-time PM-MIM approach will undoubtedly require long-term field evaluation in RO plants in order to establish the level of confidence to satisfy regulatory requirements for RO use in potable water reuse applications.

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