Conventional Bioreactor Research Articles

A review of anaerobic digestion bio-kinetics

Anaerobic digestion is the key to sustainable wastewater management and bioenergy production. Kinetics plays an important role in the design of bioreactors, processes, and process scale-up in anaerobic digestion. This article focuses on a state-of-the-art literature review on the experimental kinetic studies of conventional anaerobic bioreactors and anaerobic membrane bioreactors. Various kinetic models that were used to fit the experimental data and derive the kinetic parameters are summarized and discussed in the literature. The values of the maximum specific growth rate µmax, half saturation constant Ks, decay co-efficient kd, sludge yield Y, and methane yield YCH4 from experimental studies are summarized for each model. This paper can serve as an updated comprehensive source of anaerobic bio-kinetic studies and digester design.

Comparative study on treatment performance, membrane fouling, and microbial community profile between conventional and hybrid sequencing batch membrane bioreactors for municipal wastewater treatment.

A sequencing batch conventional membrane bioreactor (SB-CMBR) and sequencing batch hybrid membrane bioreactor (SB-HMBR) were operated in parallel under two different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) (namely 12h and 6h), and their chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nutrient removal performance, membrane fouling behavior, and microbial community characteristics were compared. Both systems exhibited high organic matter (> 95%) and ammonium (> 98%) removal performance regardless of the HRT applied. As the HRT was reduced from 12 to 6h, total nitrogen removal slightly increased in both reactors, being higher in the carrier-based MBR, where anoxic zones may have been established within the biofilm. Conversely, total phosphorus removal improved only in the SB-CMBR at the shorter HRT. Moreover, activity batch assays have shown a faster P uptake rate in the SB-CMBR than in the SB-HMBR, a result likely associated with the lower relative abundance of phosphate-accumulating organisms in both adhered and suspended biomass fractions in the hybrid MBR. The results also revealed that more pronounced increases in the transmembrane pressure and, consequently, in the membrane fouling rate at higher COD loading rates were observed in the SB-CMBR, where the soluble microbial products (proteins, polysaccharides, and especially, transparent exopolymer particles), supernatant turbidity, and filamentous bacteria were more significant. Overall, as compared to the conventional MBR, the plastic media-based SB-HMBR showed a lower fouling propensity at all hydraulic conditions tested.

A novel All-in-One electrolysis electrode and bioreactor enable better study of electrochemical effects and electricity-aided bioprocesses.

An autoclavable All-in-One electrolysis electrode in a rod shape assembly is developed as a new tool for bioelectrochemical systems and electricity-aided bioprocesses. It can replace the classic two-chamber bioelectrochemical system for electrolysis reactions, be inserted into conventional bioreactors and is easily adaptable as electrocatalytic surface or generator of super-fine bubbles (H2 and O2) for bioconversion processes. Whereas the bioreactor itself functions as the working electrode chamber, a well-integrated inner counter electrode chamber enables water electrolysis without the normally encountered undesired ion-transfer effect. The efficiencies of the electrode are characterized and its advantages and usefulness compared to the classic H-Cell bioelectrochemical system (BES) are demonstrated with glycerol fermentations by Clostridium pasteurianum DSM 525.

Enhancement of Anaerobic Digestion Using Particulate Growth Systems

Attached media reactors are used for enhancement of wastewater treatment processes including anaerobic condition. Selection of a suitable biofilm carrier is a compelling method to improve anaerobic digestion systems. This study investigates the performance of four fibrous biofilms installed in batch biogas reactors for treatment of cow manure. BioCords HS1, HS2, LS1, and LS2 are manufactured by Bishop Water Technologies, ON, Canada. Effluents and attached growth media were analyzed after batch experiment; methane production, methane yield, transfer efficiencies, organic and solid removal efficiencies, pH, and attached volatile suspended solid (VSS) were measured; VSS attached to biofilms mainly correlated with the specific surface area of each biofilm. Additionally, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) was used for further understanding of biofilm formation process for BioCords and the dissimilarity in their performance. The results indicated that BioCord LS2 had positive impact on achieving higher methane production and removal efficiencies compared to other support media utilized in batch reactors. It was also demonstrated from the experiment that BioCord LS2 potentially could generate higher methane production than conventional batch bioreactor.

Changes in the physical properties of the dynamic layer and its correlation with permeate quality in a self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactor

The self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactor (SFDMBR) is a biological wastewater treatment technology based on the conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR) with membrane material modification to a large pore size (30–100 μm). This modification requires a dynamic layer formed by activated sludge to provide effective filtration function for high-quality permeate production. The properties of the dynamic layer are therefore important for permeate quality in SFDMBRs. The interaction between the structure of the dynamic layer and the performance of SFDMBRs is little known but understandably complex. To elucidate the interaction, a lab-scale SFDMBR system coupled with a nylon woven mesh as the supporting material was operated. After development of a mature dynamic layer, excellent solid-liquid separation was achieved, as evidenced by a low permeate turbidity of less than 2 NTU. The permeate turbidity stayed below this level for nearly 80 days. In the fouling phase, the dynamic layer was compressed with an increase in the trans-membrane pressure and the quality of the permeate kept deteriorating until the turbidity exceeded 10 NTU. The investigation revealed that the majority of permeate particles were dissociated from the dynamic layer on the back surface of the supporting material, which is caused by the compression, breakdown, and dissociation of the dynamic layer. This phenomenon was observed directly in experiment instead of model prediction or conjecture for the first time.

Comparison of filtration and treatment performance between polymeric and ceramic membranes in anaerobic membrane bioreactor treatment of domestic wastewater

Abstract The feasibility of an anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactor (AnCMBR) was investigated by comparison with a conventional anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR). With regard to treatment performance, the AnCMBR achieved higher organic removal rates than the AnMBR because the ceramic membranes retained a high concentration of biomass in the reactor. Despite a high mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) concentration, the AnCMBR exhibited lower membrane fouling. To elucidate effects of sludge properties on membrane fouling in the AnCMBR and AnMBR, soluble microbial products (SMPs) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were analyzed. The SMP and EPS concentrations in the AnCMBR were higher than in the AnMBR. This may be because some suspended solids bio-degraded and likely released protein-like SMPs in the AnCMBR. Hydrophobicity and surface charges were analyzed; the sludge in the AnCMBR was found to be more hydrophobic and less negative than in the AnMBR because protein was abundant in the AnCMBR. Despite the adverse properties of the sludge in the AnCMBR, it showed more stable filtration performance than the AnMBR. This is because the alumina-based ceramic membrane had a superhydrophilic surface and could thus mitigate membrane fouling by hydrophilic-hydrophobic repulsion. The findings from this study have significant implications for extending the application of AnCMBRs to, for example, treatment of high-strength organic waste such as food waste or livestock manure.

Thin film composite nanofiltration membrane for lactic acid production in membrane bioreactor

In this work the thin film composite nanofiltration (TFC-NF) membrane was fabricated for lactic acid separation in membrane bioreactor. The morphological study was carried out with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The SEM and AFM studies indicated that using interfacial polymerization causes a rough and dense film to be formed on the polyethersulfone (PES) support membrane. The permeate flux and separation properties of the membrane was investigated at 25 °C and trans membrane pressure (TMP) of 5 bar and was compared with 3 commercial NF membranes. The high lactose and low lactic acid rejection of 80% and 19% was obtained with TFC NF membrane. The membrane was used to produce lactic acid from whey lactose in membrane bioreactor (MBR). Continuous lactic acid production has two stages of Integration of fermentation and membrane separation which were assessed and compared to the conventional bioreactor performance (CBR). In order to produce lactic acid from whey, the Lactobacillus bulgaricus (ATCC 8001) was used in the process. The maximal productivity of 6.1 gL−1 h−1 was obtained at the dilution rate of 0.24 h−1, while the value obtained in the CBR was 3.4 gL−1 h−1 at the same dilution rate. The maximum concentration of lactic acid was obtained at the dilution rate of 0.04 h−1 in both MBR and CBR with values of 38.2 and 22.5 gL−1.

Assessing the performance and microbial community of hybrid moving bed and conventional membrane bioreactors treating municipal wastewater

ABSTRACTA conventional (SB-CMBR) and a hybrid moving-bed (SB-HMBR) sequencing batch membrane bioreactor treating municipal wastewater were compared during their start-up in terms of organic matter and nutrient removal, membrane fouling characteristics and microbial community. Both systems exhibited similar COD, ammonium, total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus removal efficiency, amounting up to 96%, 99%, 70% and 85%, respectively. Results from cycle tests revealed that the contribution of attached biomass to the overall ammonium removal in the hybrid reactor was marginal. Moreover, higher despite the similar phosphorus removal efficiency attained in both reactors, nitrate-dosing activity batch assays specifically revealed that the anoxic phosphate uptake rate (PUR) in the SB-HMBR was 1.71 times higher than in the SB-CMBR. Moreover, a higher frequency of Candidatus Accumulibacter-related polyphosphate-accumulating organisms was observed in the biofilm carriers of the hybrid reactor. These findings may explain why the overall PUR was almost 50% higher in the SB-HMBR. By operating the reactors in sequencing batch mode, adhesion of particles on the membrane surface was reduced while fouling was mitigated as compared to continuous MBR systems. Better filterability conditions with lower fouling rate were found in the SB-HMBR, important features of the hybrid reactor for reducing membrane cleaning-related energy demand.

All-Polyamide Composite Coated-Fabric as an Alternative Material of Construction for Textile-Bioreactors (TBRs)

All-polyamide composite coated-fabric (APCCF) was used as an alternative material for the construction of textile-bioreactors (TBRs), which are prepared as a replacement of the traditional stainless steel bioreactors (SSBRs) or concrete-based bioreactors. The material characteristics, as well as the fermentation process performance of the APCCF-TBR, was compared with a TBR made using the polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated polyester fabric (PVCCF). The TBRs were used for the anaerobic fermentation process using baker’s yeast; and, for aerobic fermentation process using filamentous fungi, primarily by using waste streams from ethanol industries as the substrates. The results from the fermentation experiments were similar with those that were obtained from the cultivations that were carried out in conventional bioreactors. The techno-economic analysis conducted using a 5000 m3 APCCF-TBR for a typical fermentation facility would lead to a reduction of the annual production cost of the plant by $128,000,000 when compared to similar processes in SSBR. The comparative analyses (including mechanical and morphological studies, density measurements, thermal stability, ageing, and techno-economic analyses) revealed that the APCCF is a better candidate for the material of construction of the TBR. As the APCCF is a 100% recyclable single-polymer composite, which was prepared from Nylon 66 textile production-line waste, it could be considered as an environmentally sustainable product.

Submerged or sidestream? The influence of module configuration on fouling and salinity in osmotic membrane bioreactors

The role of submerged and sidestream forward osmosis (FO) membrane module configuration in osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) was investigated. Experiments were performed under identical conditions (solids retention time, bioreactor volume, feed solution, draw solute, and draw solution concentration) to isolate the effect of FO module configuration and associated hydrodynamics on water flux, reverse salt flux, and membrane fouling. Steady-state water flux of fouled membranes was the same for submerged and sidestream configurations and two draw solution concentrations, leading to the concept of a homeostatic flux in OMBRs similar to the critical flux in conventional membrane bioreactors. For the 35g/L NaCl draw solution, specific reverse salt flux (SRSF) was 1.61 ± 0.01 and 0.59 ± 0.07g/L for submerged and sidestream configurations, respectively and for the 100g/L NaCl draw solution, SRSF was 2.22 ± 0.25 and 1.05 ± 0.35g/L for submerged and sidestream configurations, respectively. Despite a significant increase in driving force, fouled membranes did not have higher steady-state water flux; instead, the 100g/L draw solution resulted in greater membrane fouling; foulant cake layers were 2 to 4 times thicker, likely due to higher initial water flux that resulted in more foulants being transported to the membrane surface. Experimental results were used as model inputs to predict results for a larger scale system. Model results predicted lower steady-state bioreactor salinities in the sidestream configuration, particularly when longer solids retention times were used.

Modified conventional bioreactor for microalgae cultivation

Microalgae, a renewable source for third generation biofuel production, have a great potential if cultivated in high concentration economically. Bottleneck lies with designing economical and efficient photobioreactor. In addition, proportional C and N inputs in the known media does not support high specific growth rate and high biomass build-up. Nitrates in fermentation media, f/2 for Nannochloropsis sp. and Zarrouk's for Arthrospira platensis, were modified. Aeration and agitation were altered in conventional bioreactor (BIOFLO 110) to reduce power consumption, increase mixing time and prevents settling. This was achieved by introducing four way flow regime supporting uniform nutrient and cell distribution in media. Volumetric cell productivity for Nannochloropsis sp. and A.platensis were achieved as 0.618g/l/d and 0.774g/l/d, respectively. This photobioreactor also supported the maximum specific CO2 sequestration rates to the level of 0.42g/g/h and 0.39g/g/h for Nannochloropsis sp. and A.platensis, respectively, confirming efficient and effective operation.

CFD analysis on hydrodynamic conditions of a designed spiral column photobioreactor for cultivation of microalgae

PurposeThe purpose of this study is analysis on fluid flow characteristics inside a modified designed spiral bubble column photo-bioreactor. Available fluid dynamic simulation of bubble column reactor (BCR) (which is well-known conventional photobioreactor) had shown significance contribution over the past two decades, where the fluid dynamics of the culture medium and mixing will influence the average irradiance and the light regimen to which the cells are exposed. This enhances the growth. To develop this, and also to cut down the cost parameter involving the production of biodiesel from algae, the growth rate of algae has to be enhanced.Design/methodology/approachSome design modification through a staggered spiral-path inside the bubble column design had been proposed and comparative simulation of the modified design has been reported. Three-dimensional simulations of gas–liquid flow both in the BCR and spiral path column reactor have been carried out using the Euler–Euler approach. Various graphs are plotted, and from comparing, it has been seen that the proposed reactor will enhance better mixing rate, which could help the growth rate in microalgae in the present proposed model. In this paper, an earnest attempt had made to carry out computational simulation of conventional BCR and designed reactor used for cultivation of microalgae which had analyzed using commercial code ANSYS 14.FindingsFrom this work, it was observed that the average turbulence kinetic energy fluctuates more in designed reactor over the conventional photo bioreactor, which will in turn increase diffusivity and enhance transfer of mass, momentum and energy. The results provide comprehensive information concerning effect of fluid flow characteristics inside a modified designed spiral bubble-column photo-bioreactor.Originality/valueSome of our earlier published results (www.scientific.net/AMM.592-594.2427) are also referred in this paper. This work had been performed under the financial aid from RPS project (no. 8,023/RID/RPS/27/11/12), sponsored by All India Council for Technical Education.

In vivo production of recombinant proteins using occluded recombinant AcMNPV-derived baculovirus vectors

Trichoplusia ni insect larvae infected with vectors derived from the Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), are an excellent alternative to insect cells cultured in conventional bioreactors to produce recombinant proteins because productivity and cost-efficiency reasons. However, there is still a lot of work to do to reduce the manual procedures commonly required in this production platform that limit its scalability. To increase the scalability of this platform technology, a current bottleneck to be circumvented in the future is the need of injection for the inoculation of larvae with polyhedrin negative baculovirus vectors (Polh-) because of the lack of oral infectivity of these viruses, which are commonly used for production in insect cell cultures. In this work we have developed a straightforward alternative to obtain orally infective vectors derived from AcMNPV and expressing recombinant proteins that can be administered to the insect larvae (Trichoplusia ni) by feeding, formulated in the insect diet. The approach developed was based on the use of a recombinant polyhedrin protein expressed by a recombinant vector (Polh+), able to co-occlude any recombinant Polh- baculovirus vector expressing a recombinant protein. A second alternative was developed by the generation of a dual vector co-expressing the recombinant polyhedrin protein and the foreign gene of interest to obtain the occluded viruses. Additionally, by the incorporation of a reporter gene into the helper Polh+ vector, it was possible the follow-up visualization of the co-occluded viruses infection in insect larvae and will help to homogenize infection conditions. By using these methodologies, the production of recombinant proteins in per os infected larvae, without manual infection procedures, was very similar in yield to that obtained by manual injection of recombinant Polh- AcMNPV-based vectors expressing the same proteins. However, further analyses will be required for a detailed comparison of production yields reached by injection vs oral infections for different recombinant proteins. In conclusion, these results open the possibility of future industrial scaling-up production of recombinant proteins in insect larvae by reducing manual operations.

Improvement of fermentation performance of Gluconobacter oxydans by combination of enhanced oxygen mass transfer in compressed-oxygen-supplied sealed system and cell-recycle technique

Oxygen supply for microbial cultures is often identified as a limiting factor for aerobic fermentation. Through implementation of an integrated oxygen control strategy, the high oxygen mass transfer rate satisfied cellular metabolic demands. Gluconobacter oxydans NL71 fermentation of xylose to xylonic acid was improved remarkably. Finally, the productivity of xylonic acid from xylose by biooxidation was markedly increased to 32.5±3.1g/L/h compared to production levels using conventional laboratory-scale bioreactors. By improving microbial fermentative vitality, we successfully bio-converted 1800g xylose to 1813±36g xylonic acid by combination of a fed-batch addition of xylose substrate as well as a cell-recycling strategy. Bioconversion results demonstrated a highly efficient fermentation model that performs continuous bioreaction, assisting the effort to industrialize microbial xylonic acid production.

An innovative bioreactor set-up that reduces membrane fouling by adjusting the filamentous bacterial population

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) constitute an advanced wastewater treatment technology over conventional activated sludge processes, however, membrane fouling remains the basic obstacle preventing their universal application. Extended research has been carried out on this issue but an optimal solution has not yet been found. This research proposes an innovative solution to mitigate membrane fouling by manipulating the filamentous bacterial population in activated sludge. The filamentous bacterial population was adjusted by modifying the MBR set-up, where the aerated bioreactor was divided into two in-series chambers. When a food to microorganisms (F/M) ratio of between 0.4 and 0.5g COD/g MLSS*d and a dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.5 ± 0.3mg/L was applied in the first chamber, the filamentous index (FI) ranged between 2 and 3 and the activated sludge presented high porosity, thus resulting in low trans-membrane pressure (TMP) and reversible membrane fouling. In the second chamber, the dissolved oxygen concentration was adjusted to 2.5 ± 0.5mg/L and the F/M ratio ranged between 0.01 and 0.02g COD/g MLSS*d, resulting in an overall F/M ratio within the typical range of 0.08–0.10g COD/g MLSS*d. Thus, further filamentous bacteria growth was inhibited and soluble microbial products (SMP) concentration was minimized. Finally, TMP was controlled within the range of 2–2.5kPa for over three months, in contrast to the corresponding TMP of the conventional membrane bioreactor that gradually increased from 2.5 to 5kPa in the first 25 days and reached 12kPa after 43 days working time. Therefore, reversible and irreversible membrane fouling was controlled successfully through the proposed innovative filamentous MBR configuration.

Electrochemical Process Engineering in Biohydrometallurgical Metal Recovery from Mineral Sulfides

Primary copper sulfides are recalcitrant to bioleaching, probably due to semi-conductivity or passivation effects which result in slow dissolution kinetics. The mineral dissolution strongly depends on redox reactions and, consequently, electrochemical techniques are recommendable for analyzing and processing of redox-active minerals. For this reason we installed a three electrode system into a conventional bioreactor. Electrolytic bioleaching was applied to a copper concentrate from black shale ore. First results verified the operational capability of ferric iron reduction during electrochemical leaching and that bioleaching is not hindered by the physical presence of the electrochemical setup. Although the working electrode was able to reduce ferric iron and to regenerate it as electron supply for ferrous iron oxidizing microorganisms, the electron input into the bioleaching process has to be further increased to keep up with fast biocatalytical iron oxidation.

A technique for lyopreservation of Clostridium ljungdahlii in a biocomposite matrix for CO absorption.

A system capable of biocatalytic conversion of distributed sources of single carbon gases such as carbon monoxide into hydrocarbons can be highly beneficial for developing commercially viable biotechnology applications in alternative energy. Several anaerobic bacterial strains can be used for such conversion. The anaerobic carbon monoxide-fixing bacteria Clostridium ljungdahlii OTA1 is a model CO assimilating microorganism that currently requires cryogenic temperature for storage of the viable strains. If these organisms can be stabilized and concentrated in thin films in advanced porous materials, it will enable development of high gas fraction, biocomposite absorbers with elevated carbon monoxide (CO) mass transfer rate, that require minimal power input and liquid, and demonstrate elevated substrate consumption rate compared to conventional suspended cell bioreactors. We report development of a technique for dry-stabilization of C. ljungdahlii OTA1 on a paper biocomposite. Bacterial samples coated onto paper were desiccated in the presence of trehalose using convective drying and stored at 4°C. Optimal dryness was ~1g H2O per gram of dry weight (gDW). CO uptake directly following biocomposite rehydration steadily increases over time indicating immediate cellular metabolic recovery. A high-resolution Raman microspectroscopic hyperspectral imaging technique was employed to spatially quantify the residual moisture content. We have demonstrated for the first time that convectively dried and stored C. ljungdahlii strains were stabilized in a desiccated state for over 38 days without a loss in CO absorbing reactivity. The Raman hyperspectral imaging technique described here is a non-invasive characterization tool to support development of dry-stabilization techniques for microorganisms on inexpensive porous support materials. The present study successfully extends and implements the principles of dry-stabilization for preservation of strictly anaerobic bacteria as an alternative to lyophilization or spray drying that could enable centralized biocomposite biocatalyst fabrication and decentralized bioprocessing of CO to liquid fuels or chemicals.

Research Progress in Biofilm-Membrane Bioreactor: A Critical Review

Biofilm-membrane bioreactor (BF-MBR), combining a biofilm and a conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR), can sustain the stable organic pollutant removal rate, decrease membrane fouling, reduce production of excess sludge, and provide a good living environment for denitrification and dephosphorization process. This mini-review summarized R&D progresses in a BF-MBR. Reports published within the last 15 years are reviewed with respect to BF-MBR studies, analyzing the fundamentals and advantages proposed, identifying the mechanism and performance for pollutant degradation and membrane fouling and discussing the reactor configurations and designs. Finally, on the basis of reported results, future research perspectives regarding the development of BF-MBR are proposed.

Improving docosahexaenoic acid production by Schizochytrium sp. using a newly designed high‐oxygen‐supply bioreactor

A sufficiently high oxygen supply is crucial for high‐cell‐density cultivation of aerobic microorganisms, including Schizochytrium sp. We, therefore, designed a novel bioreactor enabling high‐level oxygen supply, and its relevant process parameters and fermentation‐stage characteristics were investigated. The real‐time changes of pH and nonoil biomass were monitored as proxies for the consumption of nitrogen and lipid accumulation status, which was first applied to divided fermentation process with three stages. The experimental results showed that the biomass in this porous‐membrane‐impeller bioreactor was higher than in conventional bioreactor, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) percentage in total lipids was lower than in conventional bioreactor. A multistage control strategy is subsequently implemented for the porous‐membrane‐impeller bioreactor, and the maximum biomass, DHA concentration, DHA percentage in biomass and DHA productivity reached 151.0 g/L, 44.3 g/L, 29.33%, 369.08 mg/(L·h), respectively. This study thus provides a highly efficient and economic bioreactor for the production of DHA by Schizochytrium sp. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4278–4286, 2017

Control of emerging contaminants by the combination of electrochemical processes and membrane bioreactors.

This study investigates the removal of selected pharmaceuticals, as recalcitrant organic compounds, from synthetic wastewater using an electro-membrane bioreactor (eMBR). Diclofenac (DCF), carbamazepine (CBZ), and amoxicillin (AMX) were selected as representative drugs from three different therapeutic groups such as anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, and antibiotic, respectively. An environmentally relevant concentration (10μg/L) of each compound was spiked into the synthetic wastewater, and then, the impact of appending electric field on the control of membrane fouling and the removal of conventional contaminants and pharmaceutical micropollutants were assessed. A conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR) was operated as a control test. A reduction of membrane fouling was observed in the eMBR with a 44% decrease of the fouling rate and a reduction of membrane fouling precursors. Humic substances (UV254), ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N), and orthophosphate (PO4-P) showed in eMBR removal efficiencies up to 90.68±4.37, 72.10±13.06, and 100%, respectively, higher than those observed in the MBR. A reduction of DCF, CBZ, and AMX equal to 75.25±8.79, 73.84±9.24, and 72.12±10.11%, respectively, was found in the eMBR due to the enhanced effects brought by electrochemical processes, such as electrocoagulation, electrophoresis, and electrooxidation.