A Review on Membrane Biofouling: Prediction, Characterization, and Mitigation

Abstract

Water scarcity is an increasing problem on every continent, which instigated the search for novel ways to provide clean water suitable for human use; one such way is desalination. Desalination refers to the process of purifying salts and contaminants to produce water suitable for domestic and industrial applications. Due to the high costs and energy consumption associated with some desalination techniques, membrane-based technologies have emerged as a promising alternative water treatment, due to their high energy efficiency, operational simplicity, and lower cost. However, membrane fouling is a major challenge to membrane-based separation as it has detrimental effects on the membrane’s performance and integrity. Based on the type of accumulated foulants, fouling can be classified into particulate, organic, inorganic, and biofouling. Biofouling is considered the most problematic among the four fouling categories. Therefore, proper characterization and prediction of biofouling are essential for creating efficient control and mitigation strategies to minimize the damage associated with biofouling. Moreover, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting membrane fouling has garnered a great deal of attention due to its adaptive capability and prediction accuracy. This paper presents an overview of the membrane biofouling mechanisms, characterization techniques, and predictive methods with a focus on AI-based techniques, and mitigation strategies.

The Effect of the Rotating Disk Geometry on the Flow and Flux Enhancement in a Dynamic Filtration System

“…Concentration polarization (CP) refers to a phenomenon in which the species concentration rapidly increases within a boundary layer close to the membrane surface due to the selective transport of species through the membrane [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Both fouling and concentration polarization leading to a decline in the filtration performance and lifespan of a membrane module are critical issues that should be overcome or alleviated in most filtration processes [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Prolonging the Life Span of Membrane in Submerged MBR by the Application of Different Anti-Biofouling Techniques

“…Although the basic aspects of biofilm formation and growth are similar in membrane biofouling as in other natural and engineered biological systems, factors such as pressure-driven water and the solute transport phenomenon have a strong influence on the kinetic mechanisms [ 49 ]. Furthermore, as the membrane comes in direct contact with the mixed liquor, the physicochemical characteristic of this active biological suspension has an influence on the membrane separation process [ 50 ]. Finally, last but not least, membrane cleaning involves mechanical, chemical, or biological actions, targeting specific parameters [ 51 , 52 ].…”

3D Printed Helmholtz Microstreaming Structures: Analysis of Bubble Dynamics, Bulk Fluid Disturbance, and Resiliency in Nonquiescent Conditions

“…2−4 Membrane fouling can cause systematic adverse effects like increased operational costs and decreased system efficiency. 5 Cleaning methodologies and protocols have been developed to mitigate membrane fouling. Membrane cleaning aims to restore pure solvent flux of a membrane by removing foulants while preserving membrane integrity.…”