[Comparison research on two-stage sequencing batch MBR and one-stage MBR]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Treatment Technologies
• Membrane Bioreactors

Background:

• Membrane bioreactors (MBR) face challenges including low nutrient removal efficiency and severe membrane fouling.
• Traditional one-stage aerobic MBR systems exhibit limitations in nitrogen and phosphorus removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of a two-stage sequencing batch MBR (TSBMBR) with a one-stage aerobic MBR.
• To evaluate nutrient removal efficiency and membrane fouling characteristics of both MBR configurations.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of TSBMBR and one-stage aerobic MBR under steady operation.
• Monitoring of effluent nutrient concentrations (NH4(+)-N, TN, TP).
• Assessment of membrane fouling indicators, including soluble microbial products (SMP) and trans-membrane flux deduction rate.

Main Results:

• TSBMBR demonstrated significantly higher nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies compared to one-stage aerobic MBR.
• Effluent concentrations reached levels suitable for domestic scenic environment use (Avg. NH4(+)-N: 2.83 mg/L, TN: 12.20 mg/L, TP: 0.42 mg/L).
• TSBMBR exhibited reduced membrane fouling, with lower SMP, slower trans-membrane flux deduction rates, and improved resistance to sedimentation and gel layer formation.

Conclusions:

• TSBMBR effectively addresses the limitations of traditional MBRs in nutrient removal.
• The TSBMBR system offers enhanced membrane performance with higher trans-membrane flux and lower fouling rates.
• TSBMBR presents a promising solution for efficient wastewater treatment with improved effluent quality and operational stability.