This is what I’ve read.
Yes, ultrafiltration (UF) systems are highly effective at removing mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The small pore size of UF membranes (0.01 to 0.1 μm) effectively traps bacteria, including mycobacteria, preventing them from passing through. ScienceDirect.com reports that UF systems can achieve complete and safe removal of bacteria, including mycobacteria,.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) notes that slow sand filtration is more efficient than rapid sand filtration in removing mycobacteria, suggesting that filtration in general, and ultrafiltration in particular, is effective against these bacteria.
ScienceDirect.com
ScienceDirect.com also supports the effectiveness of UF in removing mycobacteria.
However, it's important to note that:
Membrane Integrity:
The effectiveness of UF depends on the integrity of the membrane. Damaged or fouled membranes can compromise their ability to remove bacteria.
Biofilms:
Some bacteria, including certain mycobacteria, can form biofilms on surfaces, potentially interfering with the filtration process.
Pretreatment:
Pretreatment steps, such as UV sterilization, can enhance the performance of UF by inactivating or removing certain bacteria.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance and cleaning of UF systems are crucial to ensure their continued effectiveness