Abstract
In this study, the effectiveness of a novel system of an anaerobic fluidized membrane bioreactor (AnFMBR) in treating wastewater was demonstrated and the results were validated by testing duplicate systems in parallel under similar operating conditions. In this novel system, an outer loop performs as an anaerobic reactor while an inner loop serves as an AnFMBR with granular activated carbon (GAC) used as a carrier and for fouling control. The GAC fluidization is restricted to the inner loop to minimize operational energy while ensuring membrane scouring. Fluidized GAC was a key factor in maintaining low TMP by attracting biofilm formation thus reducing attachment to the membrane surface and by removing deposits from membrane surface via abrasion. The new system improved fouling control as reflected in a slower buildup in transmembrane pressure (TMP) resulting in a 1.5 to 3.8 folds increase in typically reported operating periods for anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) and AnFMBRs. Similarly, energy requirements were estimated at 52 and 94% lower than those reported for typical AnMBRs and aerobic MBRs, respectively. At a validation level, both AnFMBR systems exhibited a similar performance with respect to several indicators including the microbial community composition, methane yield, chemical oxygen demand removal, TMP, and energy savings. • A novel AnFMBR system was tested for wastewater reuse and energy recovery. • Improved membrane fouling control with an increase in operating periods. • Energy requirements decreased by 52 to 94% relative to other MBRs studies. • Exoelectrogens population were abundant favoring methane production. • High reproducibility in duplicate systems was recorded in validating the results.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.