Provided are thin film composite membrane structures comprising: a selective membrane layer for ion rejection attached to a support layer, the support layer comprising a multi-zone microfiltration membrane comprising: a porous support material; and at least two microfiltration zones, where a first zone comprises a first membrane and a second zone that is attached to the first zone and that coats at least a portion of the porous support material. Thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in reverse osmosis systems or nanofiltration systems. Also, thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in direct osmotic concentration systems, forward osmosis systems, or pressure retarded osmosis systems.