A and B represents the SEM micrograph of the first and
seventh module elements,respectively cut from the commercial
membrane. Biofouling is clearly evident at a magnification of
10,000. Due to cell cluster and EPS matrix, it became clear from
the SEM images that the fouling layers on the membrane surfaces
consisted of particulate matter embedded in an apparentlya morphous matrix in nature. The images also show that the fouling
pattern on the RO membrane surfaces from the commercial plant
is a compact layer with uneven fouling material through out the
membrane surface. It is also clear from Fig. 12A that in the
commercial plant, the 1st module element in the train suffered
from the highest amount of biofilm and organic matter deposition.
This is in line with the CLSM as well as the EPS component
analyses.