DESALINATION

W ith short term batch experiments, EPS cont ent and filterability o f activated sludge can be m anipulated. Changes in filterability can be m easured accurately with the filtration characteris ation unit. With the addition o f a simple carbon s ource the filterability o f the activated sludge deter iorates during three days down to a level where f iltration is not possible anymore. A ctivated sludges originating from two M B R p ilots equipped with different membranes, but t reating the same influent, react differently in t erms o f filterability development. These differe nces are also measurable as EPS concentration i n the water phase. Closer examination o f filtera bility development and EPS concentration indic ate the existence o f different types o f polysacc harides, with different effects on filtration charact eristics.