Membrane fouling control in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) using granular materials.
Membrane fouling is considered the major limitation of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). This paper provides an overview on fouling mitigation in MBRs using granular materials. Adsorbents addition extends filtration period, improves critical flux as well as sludge properties (increased flocs size, reduced soluble EPS, improved dewaterability). However, determination of optimal dosages of adsorbents is needed to balance cost savings from fouling mitigation versus cost of adsorbents and sludge handling. The abrasion from granular media reduces cake layer formation, extends membrane filtration period, increases flux (∼20-30%), and reduces aeration intensity by 50%. Finding appropriate aeration intensity and optimum dose for different media is critical for full-scale application. Granular sludge substantially reduces fouling in MBRs; but, optimal operational conditions for long-term granule stability are required. Quorum quenching (QQ) mitigates biofouling (energy savings ∼27-40%). Cost savings from QQ need assessment against the production and application of QQ approaches.
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada. Electronic address: oliver.iorhemen@ucalgary.ca.
Oliver Terna
OT
Iorhemen
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
Rania Ahmed
RA
Hamza
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
Joo Hwa
JH
Tay
D057219:Biofouling; D019149:Bioreactors; D005374:Filtration; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012722:Sewage
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012722:Sewage
Granular media; Granular sludge; Membrane bioreactor (MBR); Membrane fouling; Quorum quenching