Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of different Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS) concentrations on membrane fouling,in a submerged Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) at short and longterm MBRoperation for waste water treatment. Three laboratory-scale in a submerged MBR system were operated under critical flux, subcritical flux,and an intermittent suction time and backwashing conditions. At short-term MBR operation with mixed liquors of 4,200 and 6,150 mg MLVSSL−1, the hydraulic resistance of membranes followed a same trajectory with averages of 5.0E+12m−1, whereas for 7,940 mg MLVSSL−1, a highresistance of up to 1.7E+13m−1was obtained. The result showed thathigh biomass concentrations decreased to permeability due to a bio-layer formed in the membrane surface and high Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS).
Highlights
The membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a novel technology that combines biodegradation and membrane separation
At Solid Retention Time (SRT) of 55-95 d, which can lead to endogenous decay of biomass and subsequently, will increase the concentration of carbohydrate and protein.These results indicated that the fouling rate was directly influenced by the Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), SRT and Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS) concentrations
The membrane fouling rate in the experimental laboratory-scale MBR increased with MLVSS concentrations higher than 5,100 mg L−1
Summary
The membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a novel technology that combines biodegradation and membrane separation. MBR has many advantages, membrane fouling is still a major problem of the MBR operation, which results in more frequent membrane cleaning and higher operation and maintenance costs. Since fouling phenomena appears to be inherent to the MBR operation, the concept of sustainable flux is used for long-term operations. This flux is related to critical flux, and it is the one at which the Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) increases gradually at an acceptable rate, so that frequent chemical cleaning is not necessary. A constant flux operation under the nominal critical flux is more advantageous for MBRs, as it will prevent excessive membrane fouling [10],[11],[12]. The TMP increment is still observed after a critical time even under subcritical flux operation [14],[15],[16]
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