A Gravity-Driven Membrane Bioreactor in Treating Real Fruit Juice Wastewater: Response Relationship Between...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Treatment Technologies
• Bioreactor Systems

Background:

• Fruit juice production generates wastewater, posing environmental pollution challenges.
• Conventional treatment methods often lack cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• Need for sustainable and low-energy wastewater treatment solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a gravity-driven membrane bioreactor (GDMBR) for treating fruit juice wastewater.
• To investigate flux development and contaminant removal under low-energy conditions.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the GDMBR process.

Main Methods:

• A gravity-driven membrane bioreactor (GDMBR) was designed and operated.
• Real fruit juice wastewater was treated at varying pressures (0.01–0.04 MPa).
• Flux, membrane fouling, and contaminant removal (COD, BOD, NH4+-N, TN, TP) were monitored.

Main Results:

• The GDMBR demonstrated stable flux levels (4–4.5 L/m^-2 h^-1) at lower pressures (0.01–0.02 MPa) with minimal fouling.
• High removal efficiencies were achieved: 82% COD, 80% BOD, 83% NH₄⁺-N, and 79% TN.
• Significant retention of total phosphorus (TP) was observed within the reactor.

Conclusions:

• The GDMBR is a promising, low-energy technology for effective fruit juice wastewater treatment.
• Its ability to maintain stable flux and high contaminant removal highlights its efficiency.
• The system's potential for phosphorus retention adds to its environmental benefits.