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Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
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Biodegradation and toxicity of melamine at high activated sludge concentrations in a membrane bioreactor

Shengnan Xu1, Minghao Sun1, Allen Thompson2

  • 1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, E2509 Lafferre Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
|March 1, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Melamine removal in membrane bioreactors (MBR) reached 20%, with acclimated sludge showing higher efficiency. High biomass concentrations protected MBR performance from melamine toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Wastewater treatment technologies
  • Bioreactor engineering

Background:

  • Melamine poses toxicity challenges in conventional activated sludge systems.
  • Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) offer potential for enhanced wastewater treatment due to high biomass concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate melamine degradation and toxicity in an MBR.
  • Assess the impact of high activated sludge concentrations on melamine removal.

Main Methods:

  • Operation of an MBR with high activated sludge concentration (∼8.5 g TSS/L) and melamine dosing (3 mg/L).
  • Batch studies using acclimated and non-acclimated sludge to determine melamine removal efficiencies.
  • Analysis of sludge performance under long-term melamine exposure.

Main Results:

  • The MBR achieved an average melamine removal efficiency of 20 ± 11%.
  • Acclimated sludge demonstrated significantly higher melamine removal (33–41%) compared to non-acclimated sludge.
  • High sludge concentration in the MBR mitigated the toxic effects of melamine on activated sludge performance.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial specialists in acclimated sludge are likely responsible for melamine degradation.
  • Melamine degradation is likely a cometabolic process, not directly linked to biomass growth.
  • MBRs with high biomass concentrations can effectively manage melamine contamination without compromising system performance.

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