Issue 1, 2023

Biofouling phenomena in membrane distillation: mechanisms and mitigation strategies

Abstract

Membrane distillation (MD) is envisaged as a cost-effective water desalination technology. When operated by low-grade energy, MD surpasses the cost challenges faced by other water desalination technologies. Although MD operates under conditions that minimize the survival of biofilm causing microorganisms, their development and succession is being increasingly reported. This is believed to be caused by the presence of halophiles and thermophiles in the feed solution, inducing significant efficiency losses. Therefore, biofouling mitigation remains crucial. This study reports current developments toward MD biofouling and mitigation strategies. Also, effects of membrane biofouling on process performance are briefly highlighted. This provides an in-depth understanding of measures required to minimize biofouling of MD systems.

Graphical abstract: Biofouling phenomena in membrane distillation: mechanisms and mitigation strategies

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
16 jul 2022
Accepted
29 okt 2022
First published
03 nov 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 39-54

Biofouling phenomena in membrane distillation: mechanisms and mitigation strategies

T. J. Mpala, A. Etale, H. Richards and L. N. Nthunya, Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023, 2, 39 DOI: 10.1039/D2VA00161F

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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