Benchmark study on algae harvesting with backwashable submerged flat panel membranes

► Membrane performance on algae harvesting and water polishing was examined. ► Backwashable membranes were compared to a commercial non-backwashable membrane. ► Influences on critical flux for backwashable and benchmark membranes were examined. ► Backwashing showed significant advantage compared to relaxation. ► Membranes combined with centrifugation uses less energy than centrifugation alone.