Super fast membrane bioreactor—transition to extremely low sludge ages for waste recycle and reuse with energy conservation

Abstract

AbstractThe paper highlighted the potential of super fast membrane bioreactor (SFMBR), as novel process configuration for biological treatment. SFMBR was essentially based on extremely high rate system operation at sludge ages between 0.5 and 2.0 d. It also reflected an innovative concept relying on partial COD removal, which enabled optimal disposal and reuse of excess COD and sludge with energy recovery options, while generating an effluent suitable for reuse within a smaller possible footprint. Studies showed that SFMBR proved capable of securing complete removal of soluble biodegradable COD, even at extremely high concentrations of 1,000 mg/l. It also generated much lower soluble microbial products, partly retained and accumulated in the reactor. Phylogenic analyses indicated that operating conditions affected the composition of the microbial community; results confirmed the existence of a functional relationship between variable process kinetics and changes in the microbial community structure. The p...