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Bioelectrochemically assisted osmotic membrane bioreactor with reusable polyelectrolyte draw solutes
Yu-Li Yang1, Zhen He2, You Wu3
1School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Engineering Lab of Water and Soil Eco-remediation, Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Wenyuan Road 1, Nanjing 210023, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|November 12, 2019
Summary
This study integrated a polyelectrolyte (PAA-Na) draw solute with a bioelectrochemical system (BES) in osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs). This approach effectively minimized reverse solute flux and enhanced water recovery and ammonium removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) face challenges with reverse solute flux (RSF) and solute buildup.
- Polyelectrolyte (PAA-Na) draw solutes (DS) are explored to mitigate RSF.
- Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) offer potential for DS recovery and pollutant removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mitigation of RSF in OMBRs using a PAA-Na DS.
- To evaluate the integration of a BES for PAA-Na DS recovery and enhanced performance.
- To compare the PAA-Na DS/BES system with a conventional ammonium bicarbonate DS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a PAA-Na solution as the draw solute in an OMBR.
- Integrated a BES to facilitate cation transport and PAA-Na recovery.
- Quantified water flux, water recovery, ammonium removal, and residual PAA concentration.
Main Results:
- The PAA-Na DS demonstrated stable water flux and enhanced water recovery compared to NH4HCO3 DS.
- The integrated BES effectively recovered PAA-Na DS via high catholyte pH-driven cation transport.
- Ammonium removal efficiency was increased with the PAA-Na DS/BES system.
- Residual PAA concentration on the feed side was 72 mg/L (27.0% of TOC) due to a balance between PAA removal and RSF.
Conclusions:
- Integrating PAA-Na DS with a BES is advantageous for mitigating RSF in OMBRs.
- This combined system enhances water recovery and ammonium removal efficiency.
- The findings support the further development of OMBR technology for sustainable water treatment.
Keywords:
Bioelectrochemical systemDraw soluteOsmotic membrane bioreactorPolyelectrolyteReverse solute fluxMore Related Videos
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