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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
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Membrane fouling control in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) using granular materials
Oliver Terna Iorhemen1, Rania Ahmed Hamza1, Joo Hwa Tay1
1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
Bioresource Technology
|March 19, 2017
Summary
Granular materials and quorum quenching significantly reduce membrane bioreactor (MBR) fouling, improving filtration and energy efficiency. Optimal application and cost-benefit analyses are crucial for widespread adoption in wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Membrane fouling is a primary challenge in membrane bioreactors (MBRs), hindering their efficiency.
- Effective fouling mitigation strategies are essential for optimizing MBR performance and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of fouling mitigation techniques in MBRs utilizing granular materials.
- To explore the impact of adsorbents, granular media abrasion, and quorum quenching on MBR performance.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies employing adsorbents for fouling control.
- Analysis of granular media's effect on cake layer formation and operational parameters.
- Evaluation of quorum quenching (QQ) for biofouling mitigation.
Main Results:
- Adsorbent addition improves sludge properties and extends filtration periods.
- Granular media abrasion enhances flux by 20-30% and reduces aeration by 50%.
- Quorum quenching offers significant energy savings (27-40%) by mitigating biofouling.
Conclusions:
- Granular materials and quorum quenching are effective strategies for reducing MBR fouling.
- Optimization of adsorbent dosage and aeration intensity is critical for cost-effective application.
- Further research is needed for long-term granule stability and QQ cost-benefit assessment.
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