Bacterial TEP Fouling on RO Membranes and Visualization of Agglutination between Bacterial TEP and Bacteria

Transparent-exopolymer-particles (TEP) are reported as a significant contributor to organic fouling of low pressure membranes and biofouling of RO membranes. TEP-like substances are generally synthesised from algae and bacteria, but most research only investigates algal TEP instead of bacterial TEP. Results show bacterial mixed TEP caused severe fouling on RO membranes and TEP precursors can pass through pretreatments and enter RO systems, promoting biofouling of the membranes.