Fate, elimination, and simulation of low-molecular-weight micropollutants in an integrated activated carbon-fertiliser drawn osmotic membrane bioreactor

Abstract

This study investigated the behaviour and simulation of low-molecular-weight (low-MW) micropollutants (MPs) in a powdered activated carbon (PAC)–assisted fertiliser-drawn OMBR. 10% increase in water recovery and two times thinner fouling layer were observed in OMBR with addition of 100 mg-PAC/g-MLSS. This amount of PAC also boosted the richness and diversity in microbial community (Chao1 and Shannon index increased 1.5 times). Nearly 100% low-MW MPs were eliminated in PAC-OMBR, while 2–80% was achieved with traditional OMBR. This reduced the pathway of low-MW MPs into diluted fertiliser from 47% to < 1% of the total influent mass. Hydrophilicity played the crucial role in the removal of low-MW MPs, especially acetaminophen and nonylphenol. Neural network was suitable for the simulation of MP behaviour with high accuracy (R = 0.98, RMSE = 4.7%). The findings support safer and cleaner use of the diluted fertiliser and promote a cost-effective tool for real-time analysis of MP behaviour.