We monitored dynamics of microbial communities along a SWRO desalination facility.
Microbial biofilm communities of RSF, CF, and RO differed from each other.
Biofilms from treatment pathway (CF) provided inocula for biofouling on RO membrane.
Conditions on RO restricted proliferation of RSF/CF biofilm's bacteria.
Site-specific microbial community characterization is required for biofilm treatment.