Abstract: Natural organic matter (NOM) exists widely in multiple ground media. Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane has advantages of removing the colloidal substances, bacteria and viruses in water. Nevertheless, membrane fouling induced by NOM limits the broad application of UF technology. In this paper, the influence of NOM properties, inclusive of hydrophilic and hydrophobia performances, molecular weight, and surface charge performance, on membrane fouling is expounded based on introducing the sources, characteristics and removal techniques of NOM. Research progresses on the determining of dominant pollutant, the interpreting of organic pollutant types on membrane surface, the analysis of morphological characteristics of the fouling layer, and the characterization of microscopic interaction force are reviewed. Last but not the least, direction of research on the mechanism of UF membrane fouling is prospected. Research results can provide theoretical support for mitigation of NOM pollution on UF membranes.

Key words: NOM, ultrafiltration membrane fouling, interactive force, fouling mechanism, research progress