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Published on: May 16, 2018
Current state and challenges of full-scale membrane bioreactor applications: A critical review
Kang Xiao1, Shuai Liang2, Xiaomao Wang3
1State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, THU-Beijing Origin Water Joint Research Center for Environmental Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Abstract:
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology for wastewater treatment has been developed for over three decades. Our latest survey shows that MBR applications for wastewater treatment are still in rapid growth today. This review summarizes the pros, cons and progress in full-scale MBR applications. Critical statistics on the capital cost, operating cost, footprint, energy consumption and chemical consumption of full-scale MBRs are provided, and are compared to those of conventional activated sludge (CAS) processes with/without tertiary treatment. The efficiencies in full-scale treatment of ordinary pollutants (C, N and P), pathogens (bacteria and viruses) and emerging pollutants (e.g., trace organic pollutants) are reviewed. The long-term operation stability of full-scale MBRs is also discussed with several examples provided, with special attention placed on the seasonal variation of membrane fouling. Finally, the future challenges of MBR application are outlined from the perspectives of fouling control, pollutant removal, cost-effectiveness and competitiveness in specific fields of application.
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