Characterization of bacterial population associated with a brackish water desalination membrane

► A comparison of bacterial communities in the membrane biofilm samples using a biphasic approach. ► Species identified were Gram negative & mainly belonged to the Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas and Sphingomonas groups. ► The sequences were affiliated with the γ-Proteobacteria sub division (08), α-Proteobacteria (02), β-Proteobacteria (01) and one to Firmicutes. ► The study might be able to help identify the bacterial communities which are responsible for biofouling. ► The identification of organic carbon composition was not carried out, so no further conclusion could be drawn between the type of carbon sources and the microbial community structures developed in the membrane systems.