Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning M

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

membrane fouling

The cause of a loss of flow through the membrane as a result of material being retained on the surface of the membrane or within the membrane pores. Membrane fouling may be reversible or irreversible. Loss of flow through the membrane by reversible fouling can be recovered by regular backwashing of the membrane surface. Flow loss by irreversible fouling cannot be recovered.