foulant

A foulant is any substance that accumulates on or within equipment or surfaces, often in water treatment systems, causing clogging, inefficiency, or contamination. Common foulants include organic matter like algae and bacteria, inorganic minerals such as calcium or iron deposits, and biological growths. These materials can build up over time, reducing the effectiveness of filtration, membranes, or pipes, and may require cleaning or removal to maintain proper operation. Essentially, foulants are unwanted deposits that impair the performance of equipment by creating blockages or contaminants.