Fouling Behavior of Extra-Cellular Polysaccharide Produced by Micrococcus luteus during Dead-End Microfiltration

Abstract

The extra-cellular polysaccharide (EPS) produced by Micrococcus luteus, a dominating strain isolated from the membrane biofouling layers, was purified. The typical polysaccharide absorption peaks were found for the purification substance in FTIR spectrum. The average molecular weight measured 63540 Da and average particle size was 162 nm for the EPS isolated. The membrane fouling was enhanced with increasing the feed EPS concentrations. Compared with the polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), the polypropylene (PP) membrane had stronger foul potential caused by the isolated EPS.