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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:13
A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Membrane aerated biofilm reactors: a brief current review
Tinggang Li1, Junxin Liu, Renbi Bai
1Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China.
Recent Patents on Biotechnology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) offer efficient, bubble-less wastewater treatment. These systems utilize a gas-permeable membrane for oxygen supply, enabling simultaneous pollutant removal and nitrification/denitrification within a single biofilm.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) are an emerging biotreatment technology.
- They utilize a gas-permeable membrane for oxygen supply to a biofilm.
- This allows for efficient, bubble-less aeration and high oxygen utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) process.
- To discuss MABR characteristics, membrane materials, and design.
- To explore operation parameters and potential applications based on recent literature and patents.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent patents and scientific literature on MABR technology.
- Analysis of MABR process principles, including oxygen and nutrient transfer.
- Examination of biofilm stratification and its impact on pollutant removal.
Main Results:
- MABRs achieve high oxygen utilization efficiency (up to 100%).
- Biofilm stratification allows for simultaneous removal of organic pollutants, nitrification, and denitrification.
- The technology offers a modular design with potential for diverse applications.
Conclusions:
- MABRs present a promising technology for advanced wastewater treatment.
- Their ability to achieve multiple treatment goals in a single unit enhances efficiency.
- Further research and development in MABR design and operation are warranted.
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