title: Optimization of membrane bioreactors by the addition of powdered activated carbon.
abstract: It was found that with replenishment, powdered activated carbon (PAC) in the membrane bioreactor (MBR) would develop biologically activated carbon (BAC) which could enhance filtration performance of a conventional MBR. This paper addresses two issues (i) effect of PAC size on MBR (BAC) performance; and (ii) effect of sludge retention time (SRT) on the MBR performance with and without PAC. To interpret the trends, particle/floc size, concentration of mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS), total organic carbon (TOC), short-term filtration properties and transmembrane pressure (TMP) versus time are measured. The results showed improved fouling control with fine, rather than coarse, PAC provided the flux did not exceed the deposition flux for the fine PAC. Without PAC, the longer SRT operation gave lower fouling at modest fluxes. With PAC addition, the shorter SRT gave better fouling control, possibly due to greater replenishment of the fresh PAC.
authors.affiliation: University of Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900 Kampar Perak, Malaysia. ngca@utar.edu.my
authors.forename: Choon Aun
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Mohammed J K
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bashir
authors.forename: Soon Han
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Wai
authors.forename: Ling Yong
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Humaira
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nisar
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Anthony G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Fane
mesh_terms: D019149:Bioreactors; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D002606:Charcoal / Q000737:chemistry*; D005427:Flocculation; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis; D010316:Particle Size; D011208:Powders; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011208:Powders; D012722:Sewage; D002606:Charcoal; D002244:Carbon