Characteristics of ultrafiltration membranes with respect to the removal of nanoscale particles can be determined by surrogate challenge tests (SCTs). Key elements of a successful SCT are the selection of a suitable surrogate and a reliable quantification method. A major challenge when using nanoparticles as surrogates is their quantification in the filtrate, since commonly used particle detection methods are often lacking in sensitivity. The applicability of laser-induced breakdown-detection (LIBD) as a monitoring tool for SCTs has therefore been evaluated. The SCTs were carried out using polystyrene (PS) and silicate particles spiked into ultrapure water and into bank filtrate. Nanoparticles were detectable down to 10 nm and, depending on the material, down to a few ng/L. The nominal pore-size of the ultrafiltration membrane could be confirmed during the tests, demonstrating the suitability of LIBD as a highly sensitive monitoring technique for SCTs.
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Research Article|
December 01 2014
Application of laser-induced breakdown-detection as a sensitive detector for UF membrane surrogate challenge tests Available to Purchase
M. Tröster;
1DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, Karlsruhe 76139, Germany
2Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, Vienna 1090, Austria
E-mail: [email protected]
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P. Lipp;
P. Lipp
1DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, Karlsruhe 76139, Germany
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F. Sacher;
F. Sacher
1DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, Karlsruhe 76139, Germany
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T. Hofmann;
T. Hofmann
2Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, Vienna 1090, Austria
3Research Cluster Environmental Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria
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H.-J. Brauch
H.-J. Brauch
1DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, Karlsruhe 76139, Germany
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Water Supply (2015) 15 (2): 377–383.
Article history
Received:
August 11 2014
Accepted:
November 18 2014
Citation
M. Tröster, P. Lipp, F. Sacher, T. Hofmann, H.-J. Brauch; Application of laser-induced breakdown-detection as a sensitive detector for UF membrane surrogate challenge tests. Water Supply 1 April 2015; 15 (2): 377–383. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2014.126
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