| Summary: | CO<sub>2</sub> capture and utilization (CCU) is a promising approach in controlling the global discharge of greenhouse gases (GHG). This study details the experimental investigation of CO<sub>2</sub> utilization in membrane-based water treatment systems for lowering the potential of ionic precipitation on membrane surface and subsequent scale development. The CO<sub>2</sub> utilization in feed water reduces the water pH that enables the dissociation of salts in their respective ions, which leave the system as a concentrate. This study compares the efficiency of CO<sub>2</sub> and other antifouling agents (CA-1, CA-2, and CA-3) for fouling control in four different membrane-based wastewater reclamation operations. These systems include Schemes 1, 2, 3, and 4, which were operated with CA-1, CA-2, CA-3, and CO<sub>2</sub> as antiscalants, respectively. The flux profile and percent salt rejection achieved in Scheme 4 confirmed the higher efficiency of CO<sub>2</sub> utilization compared with other antifouling agents. This proficient role of CO<sub>2</sub> in fouling inhibition is further endorsed by the surface analysis of used membranes. The SEM, EDS, and XRD examination confirmed the higher suitability of CO<sub>2</sub> utilization in controlling scale deposition compared with other antiscalants. The cost estimation also supported the CO<sub>2</sub> utilization for environmental friendly and safe operation.
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