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Updated: Oct 12, 2025
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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
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Recent progress using membrane aerated biofilm reactors for wastewater treatment
Huanqi He1, Brett M Wagner1, Avery L Carlson1
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, 177 EWRE Building, 1351 Beal Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Summary
Membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) offer efficient wastewater treatment by promoting microbial activity. This review covers MABR advancements, applications, and future research needs for pollutant removal and resource recovery.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs), particularly membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs), utilize counter-diffusion for novel wastewater treatment.
- MABRs offer high oxygen transfer rates, enhancing microbial processes within biofilms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in MABR technology for wastewater treatment.
- To assess MABR performance at pilot and full scales for process intensification.
- To explore emerging MABR applications beyond conventional wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of laboratory, pilot, and full-scale MABR studies.
- Analysis of design, operational, and microbial ecology considerations.
- Assessment of process modeling and treatment performance data.
Main Results:
- MABR technology demonstrates effectiveness in removing COD, N, P, and xenobiotics.
- Pilot and full-scale MABRs show promise for process intensification in existing facilities.
- Emerging applications include sulfur recovery, industrial wastewater treatment, and space-based systems.
Conclusions:
- MABR technology is a beneficial approach for pollutant removal, resource recovery, and N2O mitigation.
- Further research is needed to optimize packing density, understand microbial interactions, and improve process modeling and control.
- Site-specific operational optimization is crucial for maximizing MABR efficiency.
