Development of a novel Submerged Membrane Electro-Bioreactor (SMEBR): performance for fouling reduction

A novel Submerged Membrane Electro-Bioreactor (SMEBR) was developed to treat wastewater and control the problem of membrane fouling. To validate the new design, experimental work was achieved in a few phases. This paper describes the design constraints and criteria of the new developed SMEBR system, and shows the results of the performance of the SMEBR system to reduce membrane fouling when intermittent direct current (DC) (15 min ON/45 min OFF) was applied using cylindrical iron mesh for both electrodes. Application of the SMEBR system enhanced the membrane filterability by reducing the fouling rate up to 16.3% without any backwashing of the membrane module. The improvement in membrane filterability associated with a decrease in zeta potential of the mixed liquor flocs from -30.5 up to -15.3 mV and a decrease in specific resistance to filtration (SRF) up to 40% was observed.