Biofouling and organic fouling potential of downstream seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane elements is expected to be significantly lowered or even eliminated if biopolymers and TEPs can be removed from RO feed water. Coagulation can also reduce the nutrient (e.g., phosphate) load that reaches the RO membranes, thereby reducing the biofouling potential of the feed water.
Client: Kemira, Finland
Duration: 2012-2013
IHE staff: Maria Kennedy, Sergio Salinas, Giuliana Ferrero
Partner: Schippers Water Treatment Consultancy
PhD students: Assiyeh Tabatabai, Loreen Villacorte
