Biofouling in RO membranes: relevant techniques for membrane autopsy Metagenome

Biofouling can cause serious problems in reverse osmosis membranes (RO membranes) reducing module performance and their useful life. The objective of this study was the use of different techniques to analyse biofouling in RO membrane autopsies. We studied three RO membranes. Two were collected from the same desalination plant, fed with brackish water. These membranes belonged to two consecutive phases of the desalination process. The third one was from a sea water desalination plant. First, we determined the presence of microorganisms that could grow in the feed spacer mesh and in the polyamide layer of the RO membranes using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Secondly, the use of specific stains showed viable cells and the presence of extracellular biofilm matrix as a result of microbial colonization. Finally, microbial composition was studied by Illumina sequencing.