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Membrane bioreactor: A mini review on recent R&D works
1Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
Bioresource Technology
|July 28, 2015
Summary
Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are evolving beyond basic optimization. Innovations focus on enhancing microbial communities, mitigating membrane fouling, and integrating hybrid systems for comprehensive pollutant removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are established worldwide for wastewater treatment.
- Recent trends shift from optimization to advanced functionalities and fouling control.
- Emerging research explores hybrid systems for simultaneous pollutant removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, focusing on 2014-2015 research.
- To discuss novel process architectures, fouling mitigation strategies, and hybrid MBR systems.
- To analyze the potential and challenges of osmotic Membrane Bioreactors (oMBR).
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of recent scientific literature (primarily 2014-2015).
- Analysis of new process architectures for functional strain enrichment.
- Evaluation of adsorbents and scouring agents for membrane fouling mitigation.
- Discussion of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) hybrid systems for nutrient and pollutant removal.
- Examination of osmotic Membrane Bioreactors (oMBR) including draw solution and pre-treatment needs.
- Assessment of reverse solute leakage impact on Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) efficiency.
Main Results:
- MBR technology is advancing with new architectures to enhance microbial functions.
- Incorporation of adsorbents and scouring agents shows promise for membrane fouling mitigation.
- Hybrid MBR systems are being developed for simultaneous nutrient and pollutant removal.
- Osmotic MBRs present unique challenges related to draw solutions and solute leakage.
Conclusions:
- The Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) field is rapidly innovating with new strategies for improved performance.
- Addressing membrane fouling and exploring hybrid systems are key research directions.
- Osmotic MBRs require further investigation to overcome challenges like solute leakage.
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