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