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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Membrane bioreactor process for removing biodegradable organic matter from water
Mark D Williams1, Massoud Pirbazari
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Avenue, Kaprielian Hall (KAP) 260, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2531, USA.
Water Research
|July 24, 2007
Summary
This study shows membrane bioreactors (MBR) effectively remove biodegradable organic matter and trihalomethane precursors from water using powdered activated carbon and biomass. Pre-ozonation further improves water quality and reduces membrane fouling.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Pre-ozonation is a common water treatment step.
- Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are effective for water purification.
- Controlling organic matter and disinfection byproduct precursors is crucial for safe drinking water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) process for removing biodegradable organic matter (BOM) and trihalomethane (THM) precursors.
- To evaluate the impact of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and acclimated biomass on removal efficiencies.
- To assess the combined effects of pre-ozonation and MBR treatment on water quality and membrane performance.
Main Methods:
- Conducted bench-scale and mini-pilot-scale MBR experiments.
- Utilized powdered activated carbon (PAC) and acclimated biomass.
- Measured dissolved organic carbon (DOC), assimilable organic carbon (AOC), total aldehydes, and THM precursors.
Main Results:
- MBR achieved 20-60% steady-state DOC removal via adsorption and biodegradation.
- Assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and total aldehydes were largely removed.
- Powdered activated carbon (PAC) addition enhanced DOC removal and membrane permeate flux.
- Pre-ozonation reduced membrane fouling and improved permeate flux.
Conclusions:
- MBR processes, especially with PAC addition, are effective for removing organic matter and THM precursors.
- Pre-ozonation complements MBR treatment by reducing fouling and enhancing flux.
- Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a suitable parameter for assessing disinfection byproduct formation potential.
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