BACKGROUND: Surface water possesses numerous microbial pathogens due to domestic disposal and poor sanitation. Most of the available conventional disinfection techniques are cost intensive and energy consuming. Being cost effective and environmentally friendly, membrane separation proves to be a better disinfection technology. However, fouling is the major challenge of this technology reducing its throughput. This study highlights preparation of fouling resistant chitosan coated iron oxide polyacrylonitrile (PAN) mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for disinfection of surface water. RESULTS: In this work, antimicrobial and anti-adhesive properties of MMM are explored for disinfection of pond water with high organic load. Significance of incorporating nanoparticles and a coating of chitosan on removal of microorganisms was investigated. Adsorption of Escherichia coli on MMM was quantified and confirmed by FTIR. Improved antimicrobial properties of MMM against Escherichia coli was evident by a wider halo zone (7 cm). Up to 99.9% removal efficiency of microorganisms was attained. The membrane permeability was restored by simple cleaning with distilled water. CONCLUSION: The MMM developed not only exhibited strong antimicrobial efficiency but also showed significant anti-adhesive property making it a suitable candidate for purification of surface water. (C) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry