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Membrane bioreactors for winery wastewater treatment: case-studies at full scale
G Guglielmi1, G Andreottola, P Foladori
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38100 Trento, Italy. giuseppe.guglielmi@ing.unitn.it
Abstract:
The membrane bioreactor technology (MBR) is nowadays a suitable alternative for winery wastewater treatment, thanks to low footprint, complete suspended solids removal, high efficiency in COD abatement and quick start-up. In this paper, data from two full-scale MBRs equipped with flat-sheet membranes (plant A and plant B) are presented and discussed. COD characterisation by respirometry pointed out the high biodegradability degree of both wastewater, with a strong prevalence of the readily biodegradable fraction. An extended version of Activated Sludge Model No. 3 was used to fit the experimental OUR profiles and to assess the maximum growth rate of heterotrophic biomass on sludge samples collected at both sites; the stoichiometric yield coefficients were also calculated. Sludge filterability and dewaterability were investigated with batch tests; laboratory results confirmed the field observations. Finally, some considerations are listed, aimed at defining possible key-issues for optimal process design and operation.
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