Cleaning Procedure Research Articles

Isolation and Identification of Bacteria from Wound Sepsis among Patients at Obigwe Orthopedic Clinic, Amorji Ubaha, Okigwe

Infection in wound delays healing and may cause wound breakdown, herniation, and complete wound dehiscence. This study investigated the isolation and identification of bacteria associated with wound sepsis. A total number of ten (10) swab samples were collected at random from the wound surface of patients with infected wounds. The swabs with the samples were analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. Bacterial isolates were characterized using their colonial, microscopic, and biochemical properties. Identification was with reference to Bergey's Manual. It was observed that Escherichia coli is the most frequently occurring isolates with a percentage occurrence of (25%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus with a percentage of (20%), then Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%), Klebsiella pneumonia (20%), and Streptococcus pyogenes (15%). The overall distribution of bacterial isolates from the wound samples indicated that the wound samples from the male patients have a higher percentage distribution of (80%) than the samples obtained from the female patients with (20%). This study revealed that various bacteria, including opportunistic bacteria, are found in different wounds. Some of the wounds were infected with more than one bacteria species at a time. Although complete eradication of wound infections is not possible, however, by adopting prompt, clean surgical procedures, proper care of wounds, and antibiotics, the incidence of wound infection may be limited to a minimum.

Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols for Clear Orthodontic Aligners: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Clear orthodontic aligners support the development of oral biofilms, which could lead to interferences with the oral microbiota already existing and the deterioration of oral health, with the development of dental caries, periodontal disease and even systemic infections. Therefore, preventive oral health care requires a cleaning and disinfection procedure for aligners. (2) Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted across four databases following the PRISMA guidelines up to May 2021, combining an electronic and a manual search. Prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), crossover studies (COSs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs), published in the English language without time restrictions, evaluating the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection protocols for clear orthodontic aligners by comparing them with a placebo or a negative control, were included. The article selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent blinded review authors. In case of disagreement, a third author was solicited throughout the selection process. (3) Results: Among the 221 articles screened in the search process, 4 studies were included in the review, all designed as crossover studies (single arm without randomization with the same sequence of different cleaning and disinfection protocols for each participant). Different cleaning and disinfection methods were studied such as mechanical methods (brushing with toothpaste or vibration), chemical methods/pharmaceutical products (chlorhexidine antibacterial substance, anionic or cationic detergents or effervescent tablets) or combinations of both. (4) Conclusion: Although the determination of the most remarkable method of cleaning and disinfection was impossible because no direct comparison was conducted between all these methods, a multi-step protocol, including the combination of a mechanical and a chemical method, seems to be the most effective approach. Further research is needed to define the most preventive oral health care protocol. Registration: PROSPERO CRD 42021278498.

Intraoperative Surgical Wound Contamination May Not Lead to Surgical-Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Clean Orthopaedic Procedures.

Objectives Surgical-site infections (SSIs) can complicate virtually any surgical procedure. While SSI can result from numerous causes, contamination of the surgical field can also contribute to it. Intraoperative bacterial contamination during clean orthopaedic procedures can be detected using perioperative cultures. We hypothesized that perioperative cultures could be used to predict possibility of development of SSI in patients undergoing clean orthopaedic surgeries. Materials and Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study at a tertiary care hospital over a 2-year period. Intraoperative surgical wound lavage fluid and closed suction drain tip obtained in the postoperative period were sent for aerobic culture. All patients were followed up to look for the development of SSI for a period of at least 30 days for those undergoing nonimplant surgery, and 90 days for those with implant surgery. Statistical Analysis Means with standard deviation of the continuous data were calculated. Fisher's exact test and chi-square test were used for the analysis of the categorical variables. Relative risk and odds ratio were calculated to evaluate the association of the parameters under study with SSI. Results A total of 384 patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Perioperative cultures detected surgical wound contamination in 39 patients (10.1%). Forty-five patients (11.7%) developed SSI during the follow-up period. Skin commensals constituted 59% of perioperative contaminants and accounted for 20% of the SSIs. The relative risk of developing SSI with perioperative contamination was 0.41 (95% confidence interval: 0.09–1.63). Conclusion Intraoperative surgical-site contaminants could be detected using perioperative cultures. However, these contaminants did not lead to SSI. Timely treatment of perioperative contamination with appropriate antibiotics and local wound care probably helped in the reduction of SSI.

Analysis of cleaning process losses in photovoltaic cells

AbstractIn this study, the experimental data concerning wrong cleaning methods on the output performances of the photovoltaic cells are investigated. A concept was created in the form of pre‐experiment and post‐experiment with the samples used in the experimental study. Previously, the current, voltage, and power of the photovoltaic (PV) module samples were measured and all these values were re‐determined after the application of the incorrect cleaning procedure, dust accumulation effect composed by the wind, and human mistake. The results showed that the reduction in I‐V and P‐V characteristics strongly dependent on residues of cleaning chemicals and surface damage. It was found that the I‐V and P‐V losses due to external factors were 30%–40% for I‐V and 15%–20% for P‐V. Also, it was found that the chemical agent used during the cleaning process and I‐V and P‐V losses from human error were found to be 20%–30% for I‐V and 20%–25% for P‐V.

White, blue and cyan luminescence from thermally oxidized porous silicon coated by green synthesized carbon nanostructures

White light emitting nanostructured composites were produced in this work after annealing of aged thermally oxidized porous silicon (PS) coated by green synthesized Carbon Nanostructures (CNs). According to the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the nanostructured composites, a broad band emission (white luminescence) was observed from ultraviolet to near infrared. Depending on the presence of hydrogen species, the interaction of nanostructures with oxide layers and the quality of the oxide layers, significantly affected the luminescence mechanism. Intense blue light emitting and cyan light emitting nanostructured composites were also obtained during the production process. In this work, a new method is proposed for obtaining white, blue and cyan luminescence by coating the thermally oxidized PS with the green synthesized CNs, which enables a tremendously cheap, clean and effortless production procedure for the redesign of instruments such as LEDs, photodetectors and biosensors which are extremely important for optoelectronic and biomedical applications. This new method enables the tailoring of the luminescence through thermal oxidation and aging of PS, and annealing of the nanostructured composites.

An Artefactual Cluster of Mycobacterium abscessus Pneumonia among Cancer Patients Arising from Contamination.

The Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) is a group of rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacteria that are ubiquitous in soil, urban water pipes, swimming pools, and drinking water. Members of the MABC are considered opportunistic pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the origins of MABC detected in broncho-lavage (BL) samples from asymptomatic cancer patients. We turned our attention to washing and disinfection procedures for bronchoscopes; we also assessed water and disinfectant samples. Of 10 BL and 34 environmental samples tested, four BL samples (40%) and seven environmental samples (20.6%) tested positive for MABC. We hypothesized that contamination could arise from the prewashing machine and/or the water used because no patient had clinical or radiological signs consistent with MABC respiratory tract infection. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating cleaning and disinfection procedures for endoscope channels to reduce the potential spread of microorganisms and artefactual results arising from contamination.

Application of Ionic Liquids for the Recycling and Recovery of Technologically Critical and Valuable Metals

Population growth has led to an increased demand for raw minerals and energy resources; however, their supply cannot easily be provided in the same proportions. Modern technologies contain materials that are becoming more finely intermixed because of the broadening palette of elements used, and this outcome creates certain limitations for recycling. The recovery and separation of individual elements, critical materials and valuable metals from complex systems requires complex energy-consuming solutions with many hazardous chemicals used. Significant pressure is brought to bear on the improvement of separation and recycling approaches by the need to balance sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impacts. Due to the increase in environmental consciousness in chemical research and industry, the challenge for a sustainable environment calls for clean procedures that avoid the use of harmful organic solvents. Ionic liquids, also known as molten salts and future solvents, are endowed with unique features that have already had a promising impact on cutting-edge science and technologies. This review aims to address the current challenges associated with the energy-efficient design, recovery, recycling, and separation of valuable metals employing ionic liquids.

Mechanistic Insights of a Thermoresponsive Interface for Fouling Control of Thin-Film Composite Nanofiltration Membranes.

In spite of extensive research, fouling is still the main challenge for nanofiltration membranes, generating an extra transport resistance and requiring a larger operational pressure in practical applications. We fabricated a highly antifouling nanofiltration membrane by grafting poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains on a bromine-containing polyamide layer. The resulting membrane was found to have a double permeance compared to the pristine membrane, while the rejection of multivalent ions remained the same. In addition, PNIPAM chains yielded a better deposition resistance and adhesion resistance, thereby mitigating the increase of fouling and promoting the recovery of flux during the filtration and traditional cleaning stages, respectively. Moreover, PNIPAM chains shrank when the water temperature was above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), indicating the formation of a buffer layer between the membrane and pollutants. The buffer layer would eliminate the membrane-foulant interaction energy, thus further enhancing the detachment of pollutants. This simple and efficient cleaning method could act as an enhanced cleaning procedure to remove irreversible fouling. This provides new insights into the fabrication of enhanced antifouling membranes using smart responsive polymer chains.

Incidence of and risk factors for surgical site infection following canine limb amputation.

To determine the incidence of and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) following canine thoracic and pelvic limb amputations. Retrospective, multicenter study. Dogs (n=248). Medical records were reviewed for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables including indication for amputation, amputation type, method of muscle transection, duration of surgery and anesthesia, and wound classification. Follow up was ≥30 days or until SSI development. Logistic regression and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare SSI incidence to variables of interest. The incidence of SSI was 12.5% for all procedures and 10.9% for clean procedures. Factors increasing odds of SSI were muscle transection with a bipolar vessel sealing device (P=.023 for all procedures, P=.025 for clean procedures), procedure classified as other than clean (P=.003), and indication for amputation of bacterial infection (P=.041) or traumatic injury (P=.003) compared to neoplasia. Use of bipolar vessel sealing devices for muscle transection increased the odds of developing an SSI whereas use of electrosurgery and/or sharp transection did not. Dogs with surgical sites that were other than clean, or with bacterial infection and/or traumatic injury were also at increased odds of SSI. Use of electrosurgery or sharp transection for muscle transection should be considered rather than use of bipolar vessel sealing devices to decrease odds of SSI in dogs undergoing limb amputation. Further studies across a variety of procedures are needed to validate these findings given the increasing popularity of these devices in veterinary medicine.

Recurring outbreaks by the same Escherichia coli ST10 clone in a broiler unit during 18\xa0months

The current investigation aimed at characterizing the cause of multiple disease outbreaks in the same broiler production unit during a course of 18 months. The outbreaks had mortality rates of up to 22%. Escherichia coli was diagnosed as the responsible agent. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis showed that all chicken isolates had identical band patterns. Core genome comparisons demonstrated that the 36 chicken isolates differed with maximum of nine nucleotides indicating that the same E. coli clone was responsible for all seven disease outbreaks despite adherence to the all-in-all production principle and rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures.

First Survey about Current Practices of Environmental Monitoring Programs within French Agri-Food Industries

Simple SummaryEnvironmental monitoring programs (EMP) have become essential levers of action to ensure food safety. EMPs are already implemented in some food plants; however, knowledge about monitoring practices remains poorly disseminated. The present survey collected information on the monitoring practices of manufacturing environments in several sectors of the French agri-food industry. We observed that EMP strategies were based on a risk management approach. Practices are codified and transcribed in the HACCP system of some food manufacturers, which include hazards to be monitored, zones to be identified, surfaces to be sampled, tools for sampling and analysis, the number of samples collected, the frequency of sampling, monitoring contamination trends in microbial ecology, and corrective action plans for non-compliant results. EMP strategies are strongly related to food plant characteristics, and there is a lack of guidance. Therefore, a balance must be found between the harmonization of monitoring practices and the specificities of each site.Food safety is a constant challenge for stakeholders in the food industry. To manage the likelihood of microbiological contamination, food safety management systems must be robust, including food and environmental testing. Environmental monitoring programs (EMP) have emerged this last decade aiming to validate cleaning–sanitation procedures and other environmental pathogen control programs. The need to monitor production environments has become evident because of recent foodborne outbreaks. However, the boundaries of environmental monitoring are not only limited to the management of pathogens but also extend to spoilage and hygiene indicators, microorganisms, allergens, and other hygiene monitoring. Surfaces in production environments can be a source of contamination, either through ineffective cleaning and disinfection procedures or through contamination during production by flows or operators. This study analyses the current practices of 37 French agri-food industries (small, medium, or large), reporting their objectives for EMPs, microbial targets, types, numbers and frequency of sampling, analysis of results, and types of corrective actions.

Preconcentration of sulphonamides in bovine milk by the cloud point extraction method using smartphone-based digital images.

Sulphonamides are a group of synthetic antibiotics used specially in veterinary medicine. Among the procedures employed in the sample preparation for sulphonamide determination are liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) that use large volumes of organic solvents. Hence, a clean procedure was developed based on preconcentration and cloud point extraction (CPE) without using organic solvents to quantify total sulphonamides in bovine milk. The procedure was optimized as follows: 2 mL of pre-cleaned milk sample, 2 mL of reagent solution and 1 mL of Triton X-114 7% (m/v) were added to a tube, heated in a water bath at 40 °C for 10 minutes and centrifuged at 2950 rcf for 20 minutes. Digital image acquisition was employed directly at the tube without removing the supernatant/aqueous phase. The linear response was observed between 10 and 400 μg L-1 of total sulphonamides and described by the following equation: S = 2.50 + 0.0514C (μg L-1) and R = 0.999. The LOD and the CV (n = 11) were estimated to be 10 μg L-1 and 1.3%, respectively. The main interferents present at their usual concentrations in the sample did not interfere with the results. Spike and recovery tests of total sulphonamides were carried out in UHT and pasteurized milk with recovery values between 73 and 106% and the results obtained for this kind of sample were in agreement with those achieved by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure at the 95% confidence level. The analytical procedure presents an adequate sensitivity to determine total sulphonamides in bovine milk and does not require organic solvents, being aligned to the principles of green chemistry.

РЕЧЕПОДОБНАЯ ПОМЕХА, СТОЙКАЯ К ШУМООЧИСТКЕ, КАК РЕЗУЛЬТАТ СКРЕМБЛИРОВАНИЯ ЗАЩИЩАЕМОЙ РЕЧИ

The aim of this article is to study the possibility of creating a speech-like interference (SLI) based on scrambling of the protected speech signal that is resistant to noise cleaning, restoration and reconstruction of distorted speech through processing of its spectrogram images, including the use of the speaker’s voice database. Methods: applied systems analysis, digital spectral-time analysis, digital processing of signals and images, image analysis of sonograms Results: it is proposed to use as the main indicator of the security of speech information the concept of potential speech intelligibility, methods for assessing potential intelligibility are determined. An algorithm of compensationtype digital noise cleaning using image analysis-synthesis technology has been developed. The requirements for the created SLI are formed, consisting in changing the spetral-temporal envelope of speech, removing («weakening») traces of the harmonic structure of speech, equalizing the capacities of the protected speech signal and the SLI masking it. The approaches to the formation of an SLI resistant to the procedures of digital noise cleaning and reconstruction of distorted sonograms are described, proposals are presented on the methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of interference through the indicator of potential intelligibility. The results obtained will allow to better understand the work of attacking tools, develop methods and means of effectively countering possible threats, and expand the capabilities of existing speech information protection systems. The scientific novelty consists in the development of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of speech-like interference, taking into account the capabilities of the intruder to restore the intelligibility of distorted speech messages, proposed methods for the formation of scrambler-type SLI that meet such criteria, substantiated proposals to improve existing methods for assessing and monitoring the security of speech information from its leakage through technical channels.

Performance and applicability of a first generation single-use duodenoscope: a single-center cohort study.

BackgroundDespite the standardization and optimization of disinfection protocols, duodenoscope-related infections (DRIs) remain an emerging threat for patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Single-use duodenoscopes could represent a potential alternative avenue to circumvent the problem of reprocessing and thus risk of exogenous patient-to-patient transmission. The aim of our study was to test the feasibility and technical success rate of a recently made available single-use duodenoscope.MethodsWe carried out a thorough and standardized evaluation of the usability, performance and safety of a recently developed single-use duodenoscope in 52 consecutive patients scheduled for ERCP in a single center. Outcomes included performance ratings of the single-use duodenoscopes, adverse events (assessed at 3 days and 1 week), and crossover rate to a reusable duodenoscope.ResultsThe ERCP completion rate with a single-use duodenoscope was 90.4%, rising to 94.2% after crossover to reusable duodenoscope. The mean American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) grade was 2.7, with 27 procedures (51.9%) considered as advanced level complexity (ASGE grade 3 & 4). Performance rating found that 94% of the therapeutic treatments were comparable to those using a traditional reusable duodenoscope. Overall satisfaction amounted to 80%. No major adverse events were attributable to the single-use endoscope.ConclusionsSingle-use duodenoscopes can provide an alternative to avoid the intensive and often inconsistent results of cleaning and disinfection procedures. We confirmed the feasibility, adequate performance characteristics and safety of a recently developed first-generation single-use duodenoscope over a broad range of ERCP procedures, in terms of both indication and complexity.

A hybrid sequencing and assembly strategy for generating culture free Giardia genomes.

Giardia duodenalis is a pathogenic intestinal protozoan parasite of humans and many other animals. Giardia duodenalis is found throughout the world, and infection is known to have adverse health consequences for human and other mammalian hosts. Yet, many aspects of the biology of this ubiquitous parasite remain unresolved. Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics can provide insight into the biology of G. duodenalis by helping to reveal traits that are shared by all G. duodenalis assemblages or unique to an individual assemblage or strain. However, these types of analyses are currently hindered by the lack of available G. duodenalis genomes, due, in part, to the difficulty in obtaining the genetic material needed to perform whole genome sequencing. In this study, a novel approach using a multistep cleaning procedure coupled with a hybrid sequencing and assembly strategy was assessed for use in producing high quality G. duodenalis genomes directly from cysts obtained from feces of two naturally infected hosts, a cat and dog infected with assemblage A and D, respectively. Cysts were cleaned and concentrated using cesium chloride gradient centrifugation followed by immunomagnetic separation. Whole genome sequencing was performed using both Illumina MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore MinION platforms. A hybrid assembly strategy was found to produce higher quality genomes than assemblies from either platform alone. The hybrid G. duodenalis genomes obtained from fecal isolates (cysts) in this study compare favorably for quality and completeness against reference genomes of G. duodenalis from cultured isolates. The whole genome assembly for assemblage D is the most contiguous genome available for this assemblage and is an important reference genome for future comparative studies. The data presented here support a hybrid sequencing and assembly strategy as a suitable method to produce whole genome sequences from DNA obtained from G. duodenalis cysts which can be used to produce novel reference genomes necessary to perform comparative genomics studies of this parasite.

High-permeability vacuum membrane distillation utilizing mechanically compressed carbon nanotube membranes.

Membranes for membrane distillation (MD) are mostly made of polymeric and ceramic materials. We demonstrate here that the laterally-compressed, vertically-aligned CNTs (VACNT) obtainable from a CNT forest are an excellent membrane material for vacuum membrane distillation (VMD). The VACNT structure provides interstices between CNTs for extracting vaporized water molecules, while efficiently filtering the impurity salts. The VACNT membrane is shown to deliver excellent performance when tested for the desalination of 3.5 wt% NaCl water solution, as exemplified by the permeability of 68 LMH (liter per square meter per hour) achieved at the salt rejection of over 99.8% at 65 °C. We also demonstrate that the VACNT membrane performance can be maintained with time with the aid of a simple cleaning procedure, which bodes well for a long lifetime of the membrane for VMD application.

Laser-induced deformation and fragmentation of droplets in an array

Droplet–droplet interactions is ubiquitous in various applications ranging from medical diagnostics to enhancing and optimizing liquid jet propulsion. We employ an experimental technique where the laser pulse interacts with a micron-sized droplet and causes optical breakdown. The interaction of a nanosecond laser pulse and an isolated spherical droplet is accurately controlled and manipulated to influence the deformation and fragmentation of an array of droplets. We elucidate how the fluid dynamic response (such as drop–drop and shock–drop interactions) of an arrangement of droplets can be regulated and optimally shaped by laser pulse energy and its interplay with the optical density of liquid target. A new butterfly type breakup is revealed, which is found to result in controlled and efficient fragmentation of the outer droplets in an array. The spatio-temporal characteristics of a laser-induced breakdown dictate how shock wave and central droplet fragments can influence outer droplets. The incident laser energy and pulse width employed in this work are representative of diverse industrial applications such as surface cleaning, nano-lithography, microelectronics, and medical procedures such as intraocular microsurgery.

RETRIEVING BROKEN INSTRUMENT IN HALF OF THE APIKAL ON CANINES TEETH WITH H-FILE BRAIDING TECHNIQUE

ABSTRACTBackground: Broken instruments affect the outcome and prognosis. A broken instrument will prevent the procedure of cleaning and shaping, irrigation and obturation of the root canal on the obstructed root section causing failure in endodontic treatment. There are some treatments for broken instrument including retrieving a broken fragment file and bypassing it on the root canal. the aim of the case report aims to provide an alternative for retrieving broken instruments using the H-file braiding technique. Method: A 38-year-old female patient came to the Dental Conservation Clinic RSGM Prof. Soedomo FKG UGM. A patient got a history of initial root canal treatment in a clinic, which ended with a separated file on canine teeth left upper. No complain pain, from the investigation radiographic there is an instrument broken in half apical. The teeth 23 seen temporary restoration cavity class I is still in good. Retrieving broken instruments using the H-file braiding technique, preparation with step back techniques, obturation with warm vertical condensation technique and class I composite resin restorations with fiber-reinforced retention. Result: No complain pain after 2 weeks retrieving broken instrument.Conclusion: The technique of the H-file braiding technique is one technique to retrieve a broken instrument, this procedure is simple, cost-effective, harmless to the teeth and gives root canal sealing.

Compliance of operating room sterilization procedures with valid Scientific guidelines

introduction: Infections caused by surgeries have always been considered a primary concern of medical centers and are associated with irreversible complications. Using appropriate sterilization procedures reduces these complications. This study aimed to investigate how compliant are the current sterilization procedures of operating room (OR) environment and instruments with valid scientific standards. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study examined ophthalmology, gynecology, and otorhinolaryngology ORs of Valiasr Hospital in Birjand. With the presence of the researcher in the OR, a standard 41-item checklist consisting of three parts (environmental cleaning, equipment cleaning, and sterilization procedure) was completed for each OR in each shift. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test by SPSS(Version18) in significant level (a=0.05). Results: A total of 50 questionnaires were filled out for ORs. The highest number of questionnaires were completed for the gynecology OR, and the most elective surgeries were performed in the morning shift. There was no significant difference between the median score of OR instruments cleaning and that of valid scientific guidelines in terms of steralization (P> 0.05). The median scores of sterilization procedures and steps in hospital ORs were significantly different from those of scientific guidelines in the field of sterilization of surgical operations (P <0.05). Conclusion: The study findings indicate cases of mismatch between the quality of infection control and sterilization in the ORs of Vali-asar Hospital in Birjand and those recommended by valid scientific standards and guidelines.

Optimization of ultrafiltration as pre-treatment for seawater RO desalination

Ultrafiltration (UF) is increasingly used as pretreatment for reverse osmosis (RO) desalination, as an alternative to granular filtration. To ensure a sustainable and cost-effective operation of UF, key operational parameters must be optimized. In the present study we used a pilot UF system to optimize filtration flux, length of filtration cycle, coagulant dosing, and membrane cleaning procedure. Filtration flux of 82 LMH resulted in reversible fouling, which could be completely removed during chemically enhanced backwash, and did not affect filtration performance. Increasing the flux to 85 LMH on the other hand, resulted in the formation of irreversible fouling, which rapidly deteriorated UF operation. Filtration time of 35 min between backwashes did not affect filtration, whereas, at longer filtration time of 45 min, (hydraulically) irreversible fouling was formed. Addition of Ferric chloride coagulation prior to UF (up to 0.6 mg/L-Fe) improved the removal of reversible fouling during backwash (BW), through the formation of pinflocs. In parallel, high ferric chloride concentrations generated ferric-based irreversible fouling, which could only be removed by chemical cleaning. Finally, the study proposes a unique analysis of the trans membrane pressure (TMP) curve shape, for the optimization of coagulation and hydraulic cleaning during UF.