Silica scaling and scaling reversibility in forward osmosis

► Silica scaling rates are similar in FO and RO modes. ► Flux recovery by membrane cleaning is higher in FO than in RO. ► Silica scaling rates are similar for CA and PA membranes. ► Flux recovery of CA membrane is 30-40% higher than that of PA membrane. ► Silica scaling in FO is initiated by H4SiO4 deposition followed by condensation.