Correlations of relevant membrane foulants with UF membrane fouling in different waters

► UF fouling-relevant substances in lake, canal and WWTP secondary effluent were investigated. ► Biopolymers exhibited a remarkable correlation with UF membrane fouling in different waters. ► No relationship was found between humic substances and UF fouling in these waters. ► Particles in surface waters showed a distinct correlation with UF fouling, but not in WWTP effluent.