Analysis of Membranes of a Microbial Desalination Cell for Fouling

Membrane fouling studies are needed to bring microbial desalination cell technology (MDC) to commercialisation. Thus, this study investigated membrane fouling in a five-chamber MDC. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used for the membrane analysis of the MDC. It was found that the anion exchange membrane facing the anode chamber was biofouled by bacteria, and the side facing the desalination chamber was scaled with O, Na, Cl, K, and Mg. The cation exchange membranes predominantly had C, F, and O on their surfaces. It was concluded that irrespective of MDC design and type of catholyte used, membrane fouling is bound to occur in the technology. The development of self-healing membranes can, however, help overcome this problem. Keywords: Membranes, biofouling, scaling