Organic Fouling (Non-Biological)

Usually associated with surface waters, non-biological organic fouling includes humic/fulvic acids, lignin and humin. These are byproducts of the breakdown of plant material and often add color to water.

Symptoms of organic fouling include:

• Low permeate flow
• Possible high pressure differentials across individual elements and stages
• Membrane discoloration (usually brown to black)