Effects of shear rate on biofouling of reverse osmosis membrane during tertiary wastewater desalination

► RO fouling during wastewater desalination consists of two stages: organic and biological. ► Shear stress affects extracellular polymeric substances chemical composition, cohesion, and elasticity. ► At higher shear stress, EPS cohesion and elasticity increases. ► EPS cohesion and elasticity induce biofilm compactness and permeate flux decline.