Application of an airlift internal circulation membrane bioreactor for the treatment of textile wastewater

Abstract

A large amount of water is used in the textile industry during the finishing and dyeing processes leading to the production of what is known as textile wastewaters. Textile wastewater is highly rich in COD and color and is characterized by relatively low biodegradability. This study aimed to investigate the treatability of reactive red dye-rich textile wastewater with the application of an airlift internal circulation membrane bioreactor (AIC-MBR). Experimental results demonstrated that high removal efficiencies of COD, NH3-N, and reactive red up to 99.70%, 97.83%, and 97.23%, respectively, can be achieved using the AIC-MBR system. Besides, EPS and SMP analyses reflected an SMP polysaccharide (PS) and protein (PN) membrane rejection that reached 88% and 72.6%, respectively. Finally, the capillary suction time measurement highlighted a good dewatering capacity of the sludge with a low membrane fouling tendency at the end of the operating period.