Extended performance study of forward osmosis during wastewater reclamation: Quantification of fouling-based concentration polarization effects on the flux decline

The long-term performance of forward osmosis during simulated wastewater reclamation was investigated for 120 h operation with a focus upon the influence flux on decline and synergistic effect fouling concentration polarization. Our comprehensive investigation focused different fluxes (25; 30; 34 LMH) containing either high protein or low fraction. Compared to an initial 25 LMH, at LMH favored formation thicker more compact cake layer which resulted in significant increase both structural parameter (four-fold) enhanced polarization (ten-fold). After 40 without physical cleaning additional resistance consumed 25% total driving force; internal still had greatest impact. In contrast lower generated less (119 ?m). resultant only 3% 15–18% found higher LMH. For above 30 it that FO became irreversible if contained Overall thin film composite membrane foulant 160 mg/L is recommended threshold; this critical value determined earlier short-term studies.