Experimental studies and statistical analysis of membrane fouling behavior and performance in microfiltration of microalgae by a gas sparging assisted process.

Highlights: [•] Fouling and transmission studies of microalgae (Chlorella sp. suspension). [•] A quadratic model was developed to predict the permeate flux by RSM. [•] EPS transmission was studied in different TMPs, CFVs, and flow regimes. [•] Higher gas velocity resulted in higher shear stress and therefore more EPS release. [•] Slug flow resulted in higher flux enhancement in lower microalgae concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]