Influence of substrate on fouling in anoxic immersed membrane bioreactors

The influence of carbon substrate chemistry on membrane bioreactor (MBR) fouling in anoxic conditions has been evaluated. The use of a weak carboxylic acid (acetic acid) resulted in the production of large open-floc structures (up to 508microm) that were susceptible to breakage. Primary particles (d(10) and d(20) particle sizes, 5.5+/-1.3 and 15.3+/-8.2microm, respectively) and macromolecular soluble microbial products (SMPs) were generated, directly impacting on membrane fouling. The use of a primary alcohol (ethanol), on the other hand, encouraged the growth of flocs similar to activated sludge. These flocs produced low concentrations of primary particles (d(10) and d(20) particle sizes, 120.6+/-36.1 and 185.2+/-62.7microm, respectively) and high-molecular-weight SMP, and the particles had sufficient mechanical integrity to withstand shear. Consequently, the use of ethanol resulted in sufficient suppression of fouling to extend the filtration time by a factor of three. An increase in MLSS concentration did not directly impact upon fouling when operating with ethanol, primarily because of the low concentration of particulate matter produced.