Bacteriophobic Membranes for Decreasing Biofilm Formation in Waste Water Treatment

Abstract

Biofouling of membranes in waste water treatment plants is a significant problem that is usually counteracted by using biocides. However, this method does not usually influence the microorganisms on the membrane itself. The authors discuss the prevention of biofouling in the first place with bacteriophobic membranes as a method to extend the lifetime of the membrane by extending the introduction phase (see figure).