Microfiltration membranes have been used in water and wastewater treatment to remove particulates and as pretreatment for reverse osmosis or nanofiltration membranes. However, fouling limits more widespread usage and significantly increases the cost of a membrane-based water treatment system. Inorganic, organic and colloidal fouling can be significantly reduced by removing the foulant particles or molecules; however biofouling is much more difficult to control. Microorganisms grow as long as there is a food source available, so even trace levels of the microorganisms would result in the eventual growth and formation of a biofilm. Consequently biofouling will follow1.
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