Biofouling of Forward Osmosis Membranes: Mechanisms and Fouling Control

This study investigates the biofouling behavior of FO membranes, the underlying mechanisms, and the development of anti-biofouling FO membranes by surface modification. The research involves three major tasks as listed below. The first task is to evaluate the resistance of different membrane materials to bacterial adhesion. A direct observation system is used to monitor the initial bacteria deposition/attachment/detachment onto/from membrane surfaces.