Microbial Diversity and Biofouling Characteristics of Deposits Recovered from Membrane Filtration Systems in Wine and Water Treatment

The research concerns the microbiological and morphological characteristics of deposits accumulated on membrane filters after the filtration of wine material, drinking water, and wastewater. The aim of the study was to evaluate signs of microbial contamination and biofouling associated with membrane filtration processes. Samples collected from membrane surfaces were examined using the crushed drop (“hanging drop”) microscopic method combined with optical microscopy at ×400 magnification.

   The results of the study showed significant differences in the microbial composition of the filtered samples. The wine material was dominated by yeast cells, primarily oval-shaped Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which frequently formed aggregates and were associated with the fermentation process. No biological contamination was observed in the drinking water samples, indicating effective water purification and microbiological safety. Wastewater samples showed high microbial load, diverse bacterial morphology, activated sludge flocs, and biofilm-associated aggregates, indicating degree of membrane biofouling.

   The study confirmed that the sediments accumulated on the membranes contain a variety of microbial organisms that may negatively affect the filtration efficiency and operational stability of the system. The results obtained emphasize the importance of microbiological monitoring in membrane filtration systems for optimizing the filtration process, reducing biofouling, and ensuring the long-term effective functioning of wine and water treatment technologies.