Zirconium-embedded ceramic membrane catalyzed moderate ozonation: dual-function synergy for simultaneous control of algal odorants and membrane fouling in water treatment

The integration of ozone with ceramic membrane offers a promising approach for treating algae-laden water but presents challenges in balancing oxidation efficacy with the preservation of cell integrity. In this study, catalytic ceramic membrane system embedded with zirconium (Zr) developed achieved 58.4 % removal of 2-methylisoborneol and 68.2 % removal of geosmin through dehydration and ring opening via hydroxyl radical-mediated degradation pathways generated in situ on the membrane under optimal ozone dosage. It is worth noting that the mild ozone concentration increased the hydrophobic interaction energy between algal cells and the filter cake layer from -13.7 mJ/m² to -0.3 mJ/m², thereby effectively reducing the deposition of pollutants on the membrane. By controlling oxidative intensity, the ceramic membrane's reversible and irreversible resistances were decreased by 86.7 % and 80.1 %, respectively, while maintaining >95 % algal cell integrity. This study establishes a mild catalytic oxidation paradigm for ceramic membrane-based algae-laden water treatment, achieving simultaneous degradation of odorants and membrane fouling control.