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Model-based evaluation of fouling mechanisms in powdered activated carbon/membrane bioreactor system

Juan Xiong1, Xingtao Zuo2, Shi Zhang2

  • 1College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
|July 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) replenishment ratio impacts membrane bioreactor (MBR) fouling. The cake-complete model accurately predicts fouling mechanisms, primarily cake layer clogging, in PAC/MBR systems.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Treatment Technologies
  • Membrane Science

Background:

  • Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are crucial for wastewater treatment.
  • Understanding MBR fouling mechanisms is key to optimizing cleaning strategies.
  • The influence of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on MBR fouling remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of different PAC replenishment ratios on MBR fouling mechanisms.
  • To evaluate the predictive accuracy of individual and combined mechanistic fouling models.
  • To identify the dominant fouling mechanisms in PAC-enhanced MBR systems.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized individual and combined mechanistic fouling models to analyze MBR performance at various PAC replenishment ratios.
  • Employed root mean square errors to assess model prediction accuracy.
  • Characterized the membrane surface using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Main Results:

  • Combined fouling models demonstrated superior prediction accuracy compared to individual models.
  • The cake-complete model provided the best fit for transmembrane pressure data across all PAC replenishment ratios.
  • Cake layer clogging was identified as the primary fouling mechanism, followed by complete blockage and standard plugging.

Conclusions:

  • The cake-complete model is effective for predicting fouling mechanisms in PAC/MBR systems.
  • PAC replenishment ratio significantly influences MBR fouling behavior.
  • Cake layer clogging is the predominant fouling issue in PAC-modified MBRs.

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