Comparison of fouling behavior in forward osmosis (FO) and reverse osmosis (RO)

▶ A direct comparison of FO and RO fouling behaviors has been investigated. ▶ Mechanisms governing and factors affecting FO fouling are elucidated. ▶ Reverse salt diffusion and cake-enhanced osmotic pressure most govern FO fouling. ▶ Organic fouling in FO is mainly reversible to simple physical cleaning.