Biofouling in reverse osmosis processes: The roles of flux, crossflow velocity and concentration polarization in biofilm development

The TMP rise could be correlated with the estimated concentration of nutrient at the membrane surface, Cw,N, highlighting the combined roles of flux and crossflow velocity in solute concentration polarization. Previous TMP rise data could also be correlated to the estimated Cw,N values. This observation suggests a biofouling mitigation strategy by controlling both incoming nutrient concentration and operating conditions (flux and crossflow).