Effects of chlorine disinfection on RO membrane biofouling at low feed water temperature for wastewater reclamation

Abstract Chlorine disinfection has been reported to be ineffective in controlling RO membrane biofouling some projects. Feed water temperature is a crucial factor the formation of biofouling. It positive impact on wide application process ascertain whether chlorine can alleviate at low temperatures. In this study, effects chlorination feed (10 °C) were investigated by lab-scale apparatus. The final normalized flux was 0.33 and 0.29 with without chlorination, respectively. According decline curve, could not fouling temperature. Based intermediate blocking model, increased potential water. At temperature, biofilm thinner denser than that chlorination. addition, contained more foulants dissolved organic matter Chlorination failed continuously prevent bacteria accumulation but screened out potentially suitable for low-temperature environment.