Abstract Environment-friendly production of power and clean water is one of the major goals of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and can be achieved by emerging electromembrane processes, such as reverse electrodialysis (RED) and membrane capacitive deionisation (MCDI). RED generates electricity from salinity gradient energy sources, while MCDI desalinates (mainly) brackish water. However, fouling, scaling, stack channels clogging and undesired uphill ionic transport can reduce the power output and salt removal efficiency in RED and MCDI, respectively. A practical overview of current problems and challenges of operating and monitoring these processes under real conditions is provided. Appropriate mitigation approaches, which might include feed water pre-treatment, in-situ cleaning strategies and/or development of new antifouling ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are disclosed. First, a description, analysis and (when possible) normalised comparison of the performance of available RED and MCDI stacks, employing natural saline streams, is presented. Afterwards, it is discussed how fouling formation can be detected, monitored and characterised, which is essential to implement effective pre-treatment and cleaning strategies. Finally, sustainable ways for preparation of appropriate IEMs are selected and presented.

中文翻译：

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关于使用天然盐水流进行反向电渗析 (RED) 和膜电容去离子 (MCDI) 的操作：批判性评论

摘要 电力和清洁水的环保生产是 2030 年可持续发展议程的主要目标之一，可以通过新兴的电膜工艺实现，如反电渗析 (RED) 和膜电容去离子 (MCDI)。RED 用盐度梯度能源发电，而 MCDI 淡化（主要）苦咸水。然而，污垢、结垢、烟囱通道堵塞和不希望的上坡离子传输会分别降低 RED 和 MCDI 的功率输出和除盐效率。提供了在实际条件下操作和监控这些过程的当前问题和挑战的实用概述。适当的缓解方法，可能包括给水预处理，公开了原位清洁策略和/或新型防污离子交换膜 (IEM) 的开发。首先，介绍了使用天然盐水流的可用 RED 和 MCDI 堆栈的性能的描述、分析和（如果可能）归一化比较。之后，讨论了如何检测、监测和表征污垢形成，这对于实施有效的预处理和清洁策略至关重要。最后，选择并介绍了准备适当 IEM 的可持续方法。这对于实施有效的预处理和清洁策略至关重要。最后，选择并介绍了准备适当 IEM 的可持续方法。这对于实施有效的预处理和清洁策略至关重要。最后，选择并介绍了准备适当 IEM 的可持续方法。