logo
ResearchBunny Logo
Cracking the code of seasonal seawater biofouling: enhanced biofouling control with quorum sensing inhibitor-functionalized membranes

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Cracking the code of seasonal seawater biofouling: enhanced biofouling control with quorum sensing inhibitor-functionalized membranes

C. Chen, Y. Yang, et al.

This groundbreaking research by Chao Chen and colleagues examines the seasonal dynamics of microbial communities' impact on membrane biofouling in seawater reverse osmosis systems. The study showcases innovative quorum sensing inhibitor-modified membranes that effectively suppress detrimental bacteria, offering promising solutions to enhance desalination efficacy.

00:00
00:00
Playback language: English
Abstract
Membrane biofouling in seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination is a significant challenge. This study investigated the impact of seasonal microbial community variations on membrane biofouling and developed quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI)-modified membranes (using acylase (AC) and methyl anthranilate (MA)) to mitigate it. Proteobacteria dominated biofilm across seasons, with Gamma- and Alphaproteobacteria being the most prevalent classes. Keystone species like *Arcobacter*, *Vibrio*, and *Rhodobacteraceae* correlated with EPS and biofilm formation, reducing membrane flux. AC and MA-modified membranes suppressed these bacteria, reducing EPS and alleviating flux decline. This research highlights seasonal biofouling patterns and the potential of QS inhibition for anti-biofouling strategies.
Publisher
npj Clean Water
Published On
Jan 01, 2024
Authors
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Kwang-Ho Choo, How Yong Ng, Satoshi Takizawa, Li-an Hou
Tags
membrane biofouling
seawater reverse osmosis
quorum sensing inhibitors
microbial community
bacterial suppression
desalination
Listen, Learn & Level Up
Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.
No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.
listen to research audio papers with researchbunny