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Nitrogen removal performance and membrane fouling in a microalgae-bacteria dynamic membrane system
Yingfei Pu1, Tiantian Hu1, Lihui Zhong1
1School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Bioresource Technology
|October 11, 2025
Summary
Chlorella sp. and Navicula sp. in a microalgae-bacteria dynamic membrane bioreactor (DMBR) show different nitrogen removal efficiencies and fouling characteristics. Chlorella sp. achieved higher total nitrogen removal, while Navicula sp. mitigated membrane fouling.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Water Treatment Engineering
Background:
- Microalgae-bacteria coupled dynamic membrane bioreactors (DMBRs) are advanced wastewater treatment systems.
- These systems aim to improve biomass retention and reduce membrane fouling.
- Investigating specific microalgae species is crucial for optimizing DMBR performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Chlorella sp. (R1) and Navicula sp. (R2) on nitrogen removal efficiency in a partial nitrification/anammox DMBR.
- To analyze the membrane fouling characteristics associated with each microalgae species.
- To determine the optimal algal species for enhanced nitrogen removal and DMBR performance.
Main Methods:
- Established a microalgae-bacteria partial nitrification/anammox DMBR system using Chlorella sp. (R1) and Navicula sp. (R2).
- Tested performance at influent NH₄⁺-N concentrations of 70 mg/L and 100 mg/L.
- Monitored total nitrogen removal efficiency, transmembrane pressure, and microbial community composition (including Nitrospira).
Main Results:
- At 70 mg/L NH₄⁺-N, R1 (Chlorella sp.) achieved 81.5% total nitrogen removal, higher than R2 (Navicula sp.) at 66.9%.
- Chlorella sp. formed a looser membrane layer, aiding effluent quality and anammox activity, but showed faster fouling (11.33 kPa/d).
- Navicula sp. formed a denser membrane, mitigating fouling due to its size and extracellular polymer composition, but showed lower nitrogen removal.
- At 100 mg/L NH₄⁺-N, Nitrospira abundance increased significantly in R2 (5.28%) compared to R1 (1.02%), potentially enhancing nitrogen removal.
Conclusions:
- Chlorella sp. is more effective for nitrogen removal efficiency in DMBRs, while Navicula sp. offers better membrane anti-fouling properties.
- Algal species selection significantly impacts both nitrogen removal and membrane performance in DMBR systems.
- Further research into algal extracellular polymers and microbial interactions can optimize DMBR design for wastewater treatment.
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