Biofouling of Revrse Osmosis Membranes in a Petrochemical Complex: Possibility of Anti-microbial Coating Based on Initial Experimental Results
Subject Areas : Biotechnological Journal of Environmental Microbiology
1 - پویش صنعت آریا ، تهران ، ایران
Keywords: Biodeterioration, Biofouling, Reverse Osmosis (RO), Antimicrobial Coating, Biofilm, Temenos,
Abstract :
In this root cause analysis, the biofouling of membranes in the reverse osmosis (RO) unit of a petrochemical
complex is studied. The overall cause of biofouling was found to be inappropriate water treatment of pre-RO
systems. More specifically, undertreatment of water by sand filters, pressure-srised filters, and cartridges caused
an increase in microbial contamination on RO membranes, therefore leading to biofouling. Biodegradation of
polymers is a mechanism by which the act of microorganisms will cause a loss of mechanical integrity in such
materials. It is important to understand the mechanism and look for ways in which it can be controlled. The
following were advised to control biofouling in the RO system of this petrochemical complex: 1. Chemical
washing of sand filters as pressurized filters as well as RO membranes. 2: Application of UV, or alternatively,
removal of chemical chlorination and installation of non-oxidizing biocides after chlorination. 3: Replacement
of phosphorus-containing anticalins instead of non-phosphorus sealants. 4: Application of superhydrophobic
anti-microbial coatings on membranes.