Biofouling and Organic Fouling: In Reverse Osmosis Membrane Elements

Since the inception of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes in the seventies, biological fouling, also known as biofouling, still remains as the key challenge to get solved so that membranes can run smoothly and without issues in desalination and water treatment plants. Biofouling occurs when certain bacteria attach to the reverse osmosis membranes, and starts building a biofilm. This is a key problem, as if this quickly growing biofilm is not properly taken care of, it can affect the mechanical integrity of the reverse osmosis membrane elements, and damage them irreversibly. Organic fouling occurs when organic matter deposits into the membrane, thus reducing its permeability. Both phenomena are interconnected. This books provides an understanding on why biological fouling occurs, what variables affect its development, and what can be done to mitigate its impact.

Dr. Guillem Gilabert-Oriol

Global Desalination and Municipal Research and Development Leader in DuPont Water Solutions.

Dr. Guillem Gilabert-Oriol holds a Master Degree in Chemical Engineering and Processes (2008) for the Rovira i Virgili University. He started working as R&D Scientist for The Dow Chemical Company (2010) at Global Water Technology Center in Tarragona, Spain. He got a PhD on Ultrafiltration, and started leading the reverse osmosis antifouling team (2013). He is currently the global desalination and municipal research & development leader at DuPont Water Solutions (2019). Since 2023 he is leading the Tarragona Research & Development team. He is also Assistant Professor at Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain.