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<p>Biofouling presents a persistent bottleneck to efficient reverse osmosis (RO) desalination, threatening global water security. This comprehensive review explores the intricate mechanisms governing biofouling in polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) membranes, from initial microbial adhesion and biofilm development to the resulting performance degradation. We critically assess the arsenal of characterization techniques, spanning conventional assays to cutting-edge imaging and spectroscopy, providing a nuanced perspective on their strengths and limitations for comprehensive biofilm analysis. The efficacy of non-oxidizing biocides compatible with TFC membranes is rigorously evaluated, considering their diverse modes of action, synergistic potential, and long-term implications for both membrane integrity and environmental impact. Furthermore, we explore the promising frontier of passive and active membrane modification strategies, encompassing surface engineering for enhanced hydrophilicity and the strategic incorporation of antimicrobial agents. A SWOT analysis provides a structured roadmap for navigating the complex biofouling landscape, illuminating key strengths, persistent weaknesses, emerging opportunities (e.g., computer-driven predictive control, bioaugmentation, synthetic biology), and potential threats (e.g., antimicrobial resistance). Finally, we identify critical research gaps and delineate future research trajectories crucial for developing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective biofouling control solutions, ultimately enabling more efficient and resilient RO desalination technologies to meet the escalating global thirst for clean water.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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The Persistent Challenge of Biofouling in Reverse Osmosis Desalination: A Review of Characterization, Control, and Future Directions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月19日

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  • Mahmoud A. Ahmed,
  • Safwat A. Mahmoud,
  • Sherif Amin,
  • Ashraf A. Mohamed

摘要

Biofouling presents a persistent bottleneck to efficient reverse osmosis (RO) desalination, threatening global water security. This comprehensive review explores the intricate mechanisms governing biofouling in polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) membranes, from initial microbial adhesion and biofilm development to the resulting performance degradation. We critically assess the arsenal of characterization techniques, spanning conventional assays to cutting-edge imaging and spectroscopy, providing a nuanced perspective on their strengths and limitations for comprehensive biofilm analysis. The efficacy of non-oxidizing biocides compatible with TFC membranes is rigorously evaluated, considering their diverse modes of action, synergistic potential, and long-term implications for both membrane integrity and environmental impact. Furthermore, we explore the promising frontier of passive and active membrane modification strategies, encompassing surface engineering for enhanced hydrophilicity and the strategic incorporation of antimicrobial agents. A SWOT analysis provides a structured roadmap for navigating the complex biofouling landscape, illuminating key strengths, persistent weaknesses, emerging opportunities (e.g., computer-driven predictive control, bioaugmentation, synthetic biology), and potential threats (e.g., antimicrobial resistance). Finally, we identify critical research gaps and delineate future research trajectories crucial for developing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective biofouling control solutions, ultimately enabling more efficient and resilient RO desalination technologies to meet the escalating global thirst for clean water.

Graphical Abstract