Type | Description | Foulants |
Colloidal Fouling | Accumulation of particles on membrane surface and inside membrane pores, forming a cake layer | Suspended solids and particles such as silicate, ferric oxide, iron oxide and aluminum oxide |
Inorganic Fouling | Precipitation deposits resulting in bulk and membrane crystallization | Inorganic salt such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate and sodium chloride |
Organic Fouling | Adsorption of natural organic compounds on membrane, caused gel formation | Natural organic matter such as fulvic acid, protein, polysaccharides and polyacrylic polymer |
Biofouling | Formation of biofilm on membrane surface | Aquatic organism such as fungi, algae and bacteria |