AUTHOR=Mahmoud Amr Mohamed , Ahmed Sultan , Zolotarjovs Aleksejs , Alghamdi Ahmed S. , Ozolins Girts , Tunens Gatis 

TITLE=SpectroMarine: advancing real-time water quality monitoring to mitigate biofouling in desalination plants

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Water

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/water/articles/10.3389/frwa.2025.1567826

DOI=10.3389/frwa.2025.1567826

ISSN=2624-9375

ABSTRACT=Membrane biofouling is one of the most persistent challenges faced by desalination plants, particularly those utilizing reverse osmosis (RO) technology. Addressing this issue is crucial to reduce maintenance costs, improve efficiency, and extend the lifespan of membranes. This study introduces SpectroMarine, an advanced optical water quality sensor that provides real-time data on organic content and biomass levels, enabling desalination operators to take proactive measures for key water quality parameters such as chlorophyll, total organic carbon and oxidization agent to prevent biofouling. The sensor combines fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy with Internet of Things (IoT) integration, offering immediate analytics and actionable insights. Field tests demonstrated significant potential for reducing operational costs, reducing energy consumption, and optimizing chemical use according to the water quality, ultimately enhancing plant performance. This paper discusses the sensor’s design, application, and outcomes, providing a roadmap for revolutionizing water quality monitoring in desalination plants.