Analysis of raw and pre-treated seawater for potential biofouling precursors

Here, the biofouling precursors of raw and pre-treated seawater from a reverse osmosis (RO) feed tank were investigated using a lab-scale RO cross-flow system. The microbial communities, nutrients and TEP present in both source waters were analyzed using flow cytometry, light microscopy, flow cell i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Desalination 2015-10, Vol.373, p.71-78
Main Authors: Le Lan, Charlotte, Ellis, Amanda V., Jamieson, Tamar, Blok, Andrew J., Hemraj, Deevesh A., Allais, Laetitia, Balzano, Sergio, Leterme, Sophie C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biofilm
Biofouling
Colorimetry
Cross-flow
Fourier transforms
Marine microbes
Microorganisms
Nutrients
Precursors
Raw
Reverse osmosis membranes
Sea water
Transparent exopolymeric particles
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Summary:Here, the biofouling precursors of raw and pre-treated seawater from a reverse osmosis (RO) feed tank were investigated using a lab-scale RO cross-flow system. The microbial communities, nutrients and TEP present in both source waters were analyzed using flow cytometry, light microscopy, flow cell injection and colorimetry. All biofilms formed were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and colorimetry. Evaluation of both seawater sources showed (1) low nutrient levels and a high N/P ratio known to provoke a higher TEP production by microbes, (2) the presence of microbes known to be involved in biofouling and transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs) production and (3) a high concentration of TEP known to provoke membrane biofouling. •Assess biofouling precursors in RO desalination plants•Main biofouling precursors were TEP and microbial community composition.•Microbes known to be involved in biofouling and TEP production were identified.•Low nutrient levels and high N/P ratio provoked a higher TEP production by microbes.
ISSN:0011-9164
1873-4464
DOI:10.1016/j.desal.2015.07.007