Integrating biological processes with forward osmosis for seawater desalination review

With over half of the global population residing in coastal areas and facing challenges in accessing freshwater sources, the utilization of unconventional sources, such as seawater, becomes crucial. Among various membrane-based desalination methods, forward osmosis (FO) has gained prominence due to its cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency, despite inherent challenges. A notable limitation in FO is the cessation of the process when the concentration of the feed solution equals or exceeds that of the draw solution, leading to a halt in desalination. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a synergistic combination of FO with biological approaches, specifically leveraging halophile bacteria (HB). This innovative and environmentally friendly approach to seawater desalination explores the symbiosis of biological processes with FO. Bacteria, through salt consumption in the feed solution chamber, prevent the salt concentration from increasing, allowing the desalination process to continue. Investigations demonstrate that the hybrid FO with Bio desalination process significantly enhances desalination efficiency, offering a promising solution to overcome challenges associated with concentration imbalances during the desalination process.

Integrating biological processes with forward osmosis for seawater desalination review Keywords:

Desalination , Forward osmosis , Halophilic Bacteria , Draw Solution.