Anaerobic moving-bed biofilm reactors for the treatment of wastewater: a review of applicability

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of anaerobic digestion for wastewater treatment continues to be increasingly valued due to the need for resource preservation and recovery. Different high-rate anaerobic reactors with biomass retention capacity exist for the treatment of industrial and municipal wastewaters. The anaerobic moving-bed biofilm reactor (AnMBBR) is a newer anaerobic reactor that operates with biofilm growing on mobile inert media. It is simpler in design and operation compared to other high-rate reactors and it can withstand high concentrations of suspended solids. The number of studies on AnMBBRs for wastewater treatment has been increasing; however, until now no systematic evaluation of the scientific literature on this topic exists. This review aims to identify the types of wastewaters treatable using AnMBBRs, the process configurations for best treatment performance, and advantages/disadvantages of AnMBBRs. AnMBBR is suitable for wastewater treatment at high organic loads, as it allows for high volumetric loading rates and short retention times, resulting in a compact system. It can tolerate large variations of organic and hydraulic loads and even starvation periods. This flexibility makes AnMBBR a suitable option for the treatment of industrial wastewaters experiencing seasonal variability in production levels or changes in product lines. Overall, AnMBBR technology is a versatile and effective option for the treatment of various wastewaters, offering high removal efficiencies, stability, and flexibility in operation, even at temperatures lower than the typical mesophilic range used in anaerobic treatment. Its potential for application is expected to continue growing along the need for resource recovery from wastewaters.