Recent Advances in Organic Fouling Control and Mitigation Strategies in Membrane Separation Processes: A Review

Abstract

Membrane separation processes have become increasingly popular in many industries because of their ability to treat wastewater and purify water. However, one of the main problems related to the processes is organic fouling, which can significantly reduce their efficiency and cause membrane damage. This review provides a summary of the various forms of organic fouling that can occur in membrane separation methods and examines the factors that lead to their development. The article evaluates the progress made in different techniques designed to manage and reduce organic fouling, such as physical cleaning methods, chemical cleaning agents, and modifications to the membrane surface, including ultrasonic and membrane vibration methods. The review also highlights recent advances in emerging 3D printing technology to mitigate membrane fouling. Finally, the review provides a brief summary of the conclusions and future directions for research in the field of organic fouling control and mitigation in membrane separation processes.