Chemical Cleaning Techniques for Fouled RO Membranes: Enhancing Fouling Removal and Assessing Microbial Composition
Source abstract
Abstract
Membrane fouling, a major challenge in desalination, is addressed in this study by investigating three different chemical cleaning protocols (A, B, and C) targeting fouled reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and microbial community composition. Cleaning protocols A and B involve different chemical treatments selected based on preliminary tests and literature review, while protocol C follows the manufacturer’s standard recommendation. Membrane morphology, foulant composition, and microbial community variability in fouled, virgin, and cleaned membranes are studied. Effective biofilm removal is observed across all protocols using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while spectroscopic techniques highlight interactions between foulants and membranes. Importantly, a critical gap in understanding how cleaning strategies influence microbial communities on membranes is addressed. Shifts in dominant bacterial phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria) after cleaning are identified through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Cleaning A showed the best results in reducing microbial counts and restoring composition similar to virgin membranes. Additionally, chemical treatment increased dominance of resistant genera such as Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Citrobacter, and Burkholderia. This study emphasizes the necessity for tailored fouling cleaning strategies for RO membranes, with Cleaning A is a promising solution, paving the way for enhanced water purification technologies.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Membrane Separation Technologies · Membrane-based Ion Separation Techniques · Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Marine Science and Fisheries, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoudh, P.O. Box 34, Muscat 123, Oman
Central Laboratory for Food Safety, Food Safety and Quality Center, Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth & Water Resources, P.O. Box 3094, Muscat 111, Oman
Nanotechnology Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, P.O. Box 33, Muscat 123, Oman
Department of Physics, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoudh, P.O. Box 36, Muscat 123, Oman
Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, P.O. Box 33, Muscat 123, Oman
UNESCO Chair in Marine Biotechnology, Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoud, P.O. Box 50, Muscat 123, Oman
Funding
Ministry of Higher Education
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