Journal article
The impact of diatoms on the biofouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes in a model cross-flow system
SC Leterme, C Le Lan, DA Hemraj, AV Ellis
Desalination | ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV | Published : 2016
Abstract
Diatoms are well known contributors to the biofouling of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membranes however there have been no studies on the isolation of specific diatoms from native sea water and their subsequent impact in a laboratory scale cross-flow situation. SWRO feed tank water was analyzed for microorganisms, nutrients and transparent exopolymer substances (TEPs). Subsequently, the diatom genus, Pseudo-nitzschia sp., was isolated and used in a laboratory scale cross-flow system as a model phytoplankton species for TEP production. The biofilm produced after 7 days was then characterized, as well as the nutrients and TEP. The average quantity of TEP found on the biofouled membrane was ..
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Awarded by National Centre of Excellence in Desalination
Funding Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the financial support of the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination Australia which is funded by the Australian Government through the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan (Project 08313). The authors are also grateful to P. Meacham and T. Kirby for their assistance in sampling and G. Ralston and N. Nedelkov for giving us access/coordinating the work required at the Penneshaw desalination plant. The authors kindly thank Dr. S. Balzano for isolating Pseudo-Nitzschia sp.