Industrial Wastewater Reclamation for Sustainable Development – Integration of Membrane Bio-Reactor Process

Abstract

The Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment process that combines an activated sludge process and membrane filtration, has received worldwide recognition in the past decade. The growing applications of MBR in wastewater treatment processes are attributed to its small space requirement, less sludge generated, automatic operation and excellent improvement on effluent quality for subsequent reclamation and recycling. This paper outlines diverse applications of the MBR technology on industrial wastewater treatment and reclamation for. Meanwhile, remarkable projects in Taiwan from the first submerged MBR installed in 1999 until now are reported. By combining with Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP’s), the effluent quality is not only able to provide for cooling tower make-up but also able to meet a more stringent standards for city water replacement in the manufacturing process. MBR system played a significant role during various industrial development and provided a robust and effective solution for a limiting water resource area such as Taiwan capable of sustainable development. Such practical experience can be served as an important reference for further applying the MBR technology in the industry around the world.