Impact of Hydrodynamics on the First Stages of Biofilm Formation in Forward Osmosis with Spacers.

Initial deposition of bacteria is a critical stage during biofilm formation and biofouling development in membrane systems used in the water industry. However, the effects of hydrodynamic conditions on spatiotemporal deposition patterns of bacteria during the initial stages of biofilm formation remain unclear. Large field epifluorescence microscopy enabled and tracking of in a forward osmosis system with spacers during the first 4 h of biofilm formation.