American Water will conduct a joint research project with Drexel University to measure and reduce biological fouling on membrane filters in desalination applications.
The project is titled as application of the bioluminescent saltwater assimilable organic carbon test as a tool for identifying and reducing reverse-osmosis membrane fouling in desalination.
The company will also monitor the biological fouling potential using a recently developed tool for measuring readily biodegradable components in seawater.
The total value of the project is $248,170, which include $98,452 from the WateReuse Research Foundation and $149,718 in-kind contribution from the research partners.
American Water will directly receive $35,000 to pay for analytical costs, labor and other research costs.
