Abstract
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a kind of reputable and prospective technology for wastewater treatment and reformation applications. However, membrane fouling caused by the formation of biofilm on the membrane surface, especially biofouling, is a major obstacle that limits the energy-saving operation and maintenance of the membrane bioreactor (MBR). Microbial communication (known as Quorum Sensing (QS)) is the cause of this fouling phenomenon. A new strategy called Quorum Quenching (QQ) seems to have been successfully used for biological pollution control in wastewater treatment MBR. This review summarizes the latest findings regarding membrane fouling, QS mechanisms and QQ applications. We discussed the opportunities for further practical application of self-cleaning engineering QQ bacteria in MBR.
Highlights
The best wastewater after treatment is water with low content of organic pollutants and free of pathogens, bacteria and viruses
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a powerful separation and treatment system, which is superior to traditional wastewater treatment (WWT) systems, such as simple flow configuration, stable and high wastewater quality, large volume load, and residual sludge generation Low biomass concentration and avoid sludge settling[2]
Majid Bagheri et al analyzed more than 150 publications, covering factors that affect membrane fouling, such as membrane materials, sludge characteristics, and operating parameters and etc., and membrane antifouling such as mechanical/ chemical cleaning, biological methods and electrically-based approaches[1]
Summary
The best wastewater after treatment is water with low content of organic pollutants and free of pathogens, bacteria and viruses. Methods designed to prevent scaling in MBR operations can be roughly divided into five methods: 1) physical treatment of the input material, 2) physical and chemical cleaning of the membrane, 3) reduction of flux, 4) increase of ventilation 5) Chemical or biochemical modification of the mixture[3]. These methods have little effect on mitigating the membrane biofouling. Quorum Sensing (QS) is a word used to describe an environmental sensing system that allows microorganisms to synchronize their gene expression and physiological behavior in a manner that depends on cell density It is mediated by small molecule signaling chemicals called auto-inducers (AI). We summarized microbial QS signaling molecules, kinds of QQ methods, and the engineering application of biological pollution control in MBR.This paper provides perceptions into the prospect of QS and QQ strategies for biofouling alleviation techniques in the further
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