Influence of backwashing, flux and temperature on microfiltration for wastewater reuse

► Microfiltration fouling relationships in wastewater reuse pilot plant quantified. ► Fouling rate increases exponentially both with feedwater turbidity and operating flux. ► Newtonian viscosity correction insufficient to account for temperature influence. ► Non-turbid water quality component contributes significantly to reversible fouling. ► Irreversible fouling sensitive to backwash frequency, flux and threshold pressure.