Membrane bioreactor for domestic wastewater treatment: principles, challanges and future research directions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17509/ijost.v2i1.5993Keywords:
Membrane bioreactor, Membrane fouling, Wastewater treatment, Dynamic membrane systemAbstract
Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have recently become widely accepted as an advanced technology for treatment of domestic and industrial wastewaters. The objective of this review is to provide overview on MBR technology for wastewater treatment application. It includes discussions on the fundamental, core problems (membrane fouling), recent effective development approach (dynamic filtration systems) and future research direction of MBRs. Since MBRs integrate a conventional activated sludge process with membrane filtration, and both fundamental aspects are discussed first. Later, a comprehensive discussion about membrane fouling, the main problems in MBR, is provided, including fouling control strategies. The discussion on the MBR membranes and relation between membrane properties and MBR performance is also provided. This review also includes one of the most promising MBR technologies that specifically design to manage membrane fouling: dynamic filtration systems. Lastly, insight into an approach to address MBRs challenges and recent research and developments are provided.
Downloads
References
Ahmed, Z., Cho, J., Lim, B. R., Song, K. G., & Ahn, K. H. (2007). Effects of sludge retention time on membrane fouling and microbial community structure in a membrane bioreactor. Journal of membrane science, 287(2), 211-218. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.10.036
Akram, A., & Stuckey, D. C. (2008). Flux and performance improvement in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAMBR) using powdered activated carbon (PAC). Process biochemistry, 43(1), 93-102. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2007.10.020
AlMarzooqi, F. A., Bilad, M. R., Mansoor, B., & Arafat, H. A. (2016). A comparative study of image analysis and porometry techniques for characterization of porous membranes. Journal of materials science, 51(4), 2017-2032. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-015-9512-0
Altaee, A., Al-Rawajfeh, A. E., & Baek, Y. J. (2009). Application of vibratory system to improve the critical flux in submerged hollow fiber MF process. Separation science and technology, 45(1), 28-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01496390903401796
Asatekin, A., Menniti, A., Kang, S., Elimelech, M., Morgenroth, E., & Mayes, A. M. (2006). Antifouling nanofiltration membranes for membrane bioreactors from self-assembling graft copolymers. Journal of membrane science, 285(1), 81-89. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.07.042
Bae, T. H., Kim, I. C., & Tak, T. M. (2006). Preparation and characterization of fouling-resistant TiO2 self-assembled nanocomposite membranes. Journal of membrane science, 275(1), 1-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.01.023
Bae, T. H., & Tak, T. M. (2005). Preparation of TiO2 self-assembled polymeric nanocomposite membranes and examination of their fouling mitigation effects in a membrane bioreactor system. Journal of membrane science, 266(1), 1-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2005.08.014
Beier, S. P., Guerra, M., Garde, A., & Jonsson, G. (2006). Dynamic microfiltration with a vibrating hollow fiber membrane module: filtration of yeast suspensions. Journal of membrane science, 281(1), 281-287. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.03.051
Bilad, M. R., Arafat, H. A., & Vankelecom, I. F. (2014). Membrane technology in microalgae cultivation and harvesting: a review. Biotechnology advances, 32(7), 1283-1300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.07.008
Bilad, M. R., Marbelia, L., Laine, C., & Vankelecom, I. F. (2015). A PVC–silica mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) as novel type of membrane bioreactor (MBR) membrane. Journal of membrane science, 493, 19-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2015.05.074
Bilad, M. R., Mezohegyi, G., Declerck, P., & Vankelecom, I. F. (2012a). Novel magnetically induced membrane vibration (MMV) for fouling control in membrane bioreactors. Water research, 46(1), 63-72.
Bilad, M. R., Mezohegyi, G., Declerck, P., & Vankelecom, I. F. (2012b). Novel magnetically induced membrane vibration (MMV) for fouling control in membrane bioreactors. Water research, 46(1), 63-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2011.10.026
Bilad, M. R., Westbroek, P., & Vankelecom, I. F. (2011). Assessment and optimization of electrospun nanofiber-membranes in a membrane bioreactor (MBR). Journal of membrane science, 380(1), 181-191. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2011.07.003
Bilad, M. R. (2016). Module-Scale Simulation of Forward Osmosis Module-Part A: Plate-and-Frame. Indonesian journal of science and technology, 1(2), 249-261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijost.v1i2.3810
Braak, E., Alliet, M., Schetrite, S., & Albasi, C. (2011). Aeration and hydrodynamics in submerged membrane bioreactors. Journal of membrane science, 379(1), 1-18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2011.06.004
Chang, S., Fane, A. G., & Vigneswaran, S. (2002). Modeling and optimizing submerged hollow fiber membrane modules. AIChE journal, 48(10), 2203-2212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690481011
Chen, L., Gu, Y., Cao, C., Zhang, J., Ng, J. W., & Tang, C. (2014). Performance of a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor with forward osmosis membrane for low-strength wastewater treatment. Water research, 50, 114-123. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2013.12.009
Cho, B. D., & Fane, A. G. (2002). Fouling transients in nominally sub-critical flux operation of a membrane bioreactor. Journal of membrane science, 209(2), 391-403. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-7388(02)00321-6
Cho, J., Song, K. G., Yun, H., Ahn, K. H., Kim, J. Y., & Chung, T. H. (2005). Quantitative analysis of biological effect on membrane fouling in submerged membrane bioreactor. Water science and technology, 51(6-7), 9-18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2005.0616
Choi, J. H., Dockko, S., Fukushi, K., & Yamamoto, K. (2002). A novel application of a submerged nanofiltration membrane bioreactor (NF MBR) for wastewater treatment. Desalination, 146(1-3), 413-420. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-9164(02)00524-6
Choi, J. H., Fukushi, K., & Yamamoto, K. (2005). Comparison of treatment efficiency of submerged nanofiltration membrane bioreactors using cellulose triacetate and polyamide membrane. Water science and technology, 51(6-7), 305-312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2005.0650
de la Torre, T., Mottschall, M., Lesjean, B., Drews, A., Iheanaetu, A., & Kraume, M. (2010). Filterability assessment in membrane bioreactors using an in-situ filtration test cell. Water science and technology, 61(11), 2809-2816. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2010.084
Drews, A. (2010). Membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors—characterisation, contradictions, cause and cures. Journal of membrane science, 363(1), 1-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2010.06.046
Elimelech, M., Zhu, X., Childress, A. E., & Hong, S. (1997). Role of membrane surface morphology in colloidal fouling of cellulose acetate and composite aromatic polyamide reverse osmosis membranes. Journal of membrane science, 127(1), 101-109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-7388(96)00351-1
Evenblij, H., Geilvoet, S., Van der Graaf, J. H. J. M., & Van der Roest, H. F. (2005). Filtration characterisation for assessing MBR performance: three cases compared. Desalination, 178(1-3), 115-124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2005.02.005
Fane, A. G. (2011). Membranes and the water cycle: challenges and opportunities. Applied water science, 1(1-2), 3-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-011-0002-5
Fane, A. G., & Fell, C. J. D. (1987). A review of fouling and fouling control in ultrafiltration. Desalination, 62, 117-136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0011-9164(87)87013-3
Fang, H. H., & Shi, X. (2005). Pore fouling of microfiltration membranes by activated sludge. Journal of membrane science, 264(1), 161-166. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2005.04.029
Field, R. W., & Pearce, G. K. (2011). Critical, sustainable and threshold fluxes for membrane filtration with water industry applications. Advances in colloid and interface science, 164(1), 38-44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2010.12.008
Field, R. W., Wu, D., Howell, J. A., & Gupta, B. B. (1995). Critical flux concept for microfiltration fouling. Journal of membrane science, 100(3), 259-272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0376-7388(94)00265-Z
Fuchs, W., Resch, C., Kernstock, M., Mayer, M., Schoeberl, P., & Braun, R. (2005). Influence of operational conditions on the performance of a mesh filter activated sludge process. Water research, 39(5), 803-810. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2004.12.001
Gao, F., Li, C., Yang, Z. H., Zeng, G. M., Feng, L. J., Liu, J. Z., & Cai, H. W. (2016). Continuous microalgae cultivation in aquaculture wastewater by a membrane photobioreactor for biomass production and nutrients removal. Ecological engineering, 92, 55-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.03.046
Genkin, G., Waite, T. D., Fane, A. G., & Chang, S. (2006). The effect of vibration and coagulant addition on the filtration performance of submerged hollow fibre membranes. Journal of membrane science, 281(1), 726-734. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.04.048
Howell, J. A. (1995). Sub-critical flux operation of microfiltration. Journal of membrane science, 107(1-2), 165-171. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0376-7388(95)00114-R
Huyskens, C., Brauns, E., Van Hoof, E., & De Wever, H. (2008). A new method for the evaluation of the reversible and irreversible fouling propensity of MBR mixed liquor. Journal of membrane science, 323(1), 185-192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2008.06.021
Hwang, B. K., Lee, W. N., Park, P. K., Lee, C. H., & Chang, I. S. (2007). Effect of membrane fouling reducer on cake structure and membrane permeability in membrane bioreactor. Journal of membrane science, 288(1), 149-156. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.11.032
Jaffrin, M. Y. (2008). Dynamic shear-enhanced membrane filtration: a review of rotating disks, rotating membranes and vibrating systems. Journal of membrane science, 324(1), 7-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2008.06.050
Judd, S. (2008). The status of membrane bioreactor technology. Trends in biotechnology, 26(2), 109-116. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2007.11.005
Kharraz, J. A., Bilad, M. R., & Arafat, H. A. (2015). Simple and effective corrugation of PVDF membranes for enhanced MBR performance. Journal of membrane science, 475, 91-100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2014.10.018
Kola, A., Ye, Y., Ho, A., Le-Clech, P., & Chen, V. (2012). Application of low frequency transverse vibration on fouling limitation in submerged hollow fibre membranes. Journal of membrane science, 409, 54-65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2012.03.017
Kola, A., Ye, Y., Le-Clech, P., & Chen, V. (2014). Transverse vibration as novel membrane fouling mitigation strategy in anaerobic membrane bioreactor applications. Journal of membrane science, 455, 320-329. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2013.12.078
Komesli, O. T., Teschner, K., Hegemann, W., & Gokcay, C. F. (2007). Vacuum membrane applications in domestic wastewater reuse. Desalination, 215(1-3), 22-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2006.10.025
Kraume, M., Wedi, D., Schaller, J., Iversen, V., & Drews, A. (2009). Fouling in MBR: What use are lab investigations for full scale operation?. Desalination, 236(1-3), 94-103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2007.10.055
Le Clech, P., Jefferson, B., Chang, I. S., & Judd, S. J. (2003). Critical flux determination by the flux-step method in a submerged membrane bioreactor. Journal of membrane science, 227(1), 81-93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2003.07.021
Le-Clech, P., Chen, V., & Fane, T. A. (2006). Fouling in membrane bioreactors used in wastewater treatment. Journal of membrane science, 284(1), 17-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.08.019
Lee, M., & Kim, J. (2009). Membrane autopsy to investigate CaCO3 scale formation in pilot‐scale, submerged membrane bioreactor treating calcium‐rich wastewater. Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology, 84(9), 1397-1404. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.2195
Le Roux, I., Krieg, H. M., Yeates, C. A., & Breytenbach, J. C. (2005). Use of chitosan as an antifouling agent in a membrane bioreactor. Journal of membrane science, 248(1), 127-136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2004.10.005
Liao, B. Q., Bagley, D. M., Kraemer, H. E., Leppard, G. G., & Liss, S. N. (2004). A review of biofouling and its control in membrane separation bioreactors. Water environment research, 76(5), 425-436. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2175/106143004X151527
Low, S. C., Cheong, K. T., & Lim, H. L. (2009). A vibration membrane bioreactor. Desalination and Water Treatment, 5(1-3), 42-47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2009.563
Marbelia, L., Bilad, M. R., Bertels, N., Laine, C., & Vankelecom, I. F. (2016). Ribbed PVC–silica mixed matrix membranes for membrane bioreactors. Journal of membrane science, 498, 315-323. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2015.10.017
Marbelia, L., Bilad, M. R., Passaris, I., Discart, V., Vandamme, D., Beuckels, A., Muylaert, K. & Vankelecom, I. F. (2014). Membrane photobioreactors for integrated microalgae cultivation and nutrient remediation of membrane bioreactors effluent. Bioresource technology, 163, 228-235. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.04.012
Melvin, S. D., & Leusch, F. D. (2016). Removal of trace organic contaminants from domestic wastewater: A meta-analysis comparison of sewage treatment technologies. Environment international, 92, 183-188. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2016.03.031
Meng, F., Chae, S. R., Drews, A., Kraume, M., Shin, H. S., & Yang, F. (2009). Recent advances in membrane bioreactors (MBRs): membrane fouling and membrane material. Water research, 43(6), 1489-1512. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2008.12.044
Meng, F., Liao, B., Liang, S., Yang, F., Zhang, H., & Song, L. (2010). Morphological visualization, componential characterization and microbiological identification of membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Journal of membrane science, 361(1), 1-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2010.06.006
Metzger, U., Le-Clech, P., Stuetz, R. M., Frimmel, F. H., & Chen, V. (2007). Characterisation of polymeric fouling in membrane bioreactors and the effect of different filtration modes. Journal of membrane science, 301(1), 180-189. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2007.06.016
Prasertkulsak, S., Chiemchaisri, C., Chiemchaisri, W., Itonaga, T., & Yamamoto, K. (2016). Removals of pharmaceutical compounds from hospital wastewater in membrane bioreactor operated under short hydraulic retention time. Chemosphere, 150, 624-631. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.01.031
Ramesh, A., Lee, D. J., & Lai, J. Y. (2007). Membrane biofouling by extracellular polymeric substances or soluble microbial products from membrane bioreactor sludge. Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 74(3), 699-707. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-006-0706-x
Ramesh, A., Lee, D. J., Wang, M. L., Hsu, J. P., Juang, R. S., Hwang, K. J., Liu, J.C., & Tseng, S. J. (2006). Biofouling in membrane bioreactor. Separation science and technology, 41(7), 1345-1370. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01496390600633782
Rana, D., & Matsuura, T. (2010). Surface modifications for antifouling membranes. Chemical reviews, 110(4), 2448-2471. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/cr800208y
Ratkovich, N., Chan, C. C. V., Bentzen, T. R., & Rasmussen, M. R. (2012). Experimental and CFD simulation studies of wall shear stress for different impeller configurations and MBR activated sludge. Water science and technology, 65(11), 2061-2070. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2012.106
Ren, L., Ahn, Y., & Logan, B. E. (2014). A two-stage microbial fuel cell and anaerobic fluidized bed membrane bioreactor (MFC-AFMBR) system for effective domestic wastewater treatment. Environmental science and technology, 48(7), 4199-4206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/es500737m
Rosenberger, S., & Kraume, M. (2002). Filterability of activated sludge in membrane bioreactors. Desalination, 146(1), 373-379. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-9164(02)00515-5
Seo, G. T., Moon, B. H., Lee, T. S., Lim, T. J., & Kim, I. S. (2003). Non-woven fabric filter separation activated sludge reactor for domestic wastewater reclamation. Water science and technology, 47(1), 133-138. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2003.0035
Shannon, M. A., Bohn, P. W., Elimelech, M., Georgiadis, J. G., Marinas, B. J., & Mayes, A. M. (2008). Science and technology for water purification in the coming decades. Nature, 452(7185), 301-310. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06599
Song, K. G., Kim, Y., & Ahn, K. H. (2008). Effect of coagulant addition on membrane fouling and nutrient removal in a submerged membrane bioreactor. Desalination, 221(1-3), 467-474. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2007.01.107
Su, X., Tian, Y., Sun, Z., Lu, Y., & Li, Z. (2013). Performance of a combined system of microbial fuel cell and membrane bioreactor: wastewater treatment, sludge reduction, energy recovery and membrane fouling. Biosensors and bioelectronics, 49, 92-98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2013.04.005
van der Gast, C. J., Jefferson, B., Reid, E., Robinson, T., Bailey, M. J., Judd, S. J., & Thompson, I. P. (2006). Bacterial diversity is determined by volume in membrane bioreactors. Environmental microbiology, 8(6), 1048-1055. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2006.00996.x
van der Marel, P., Zwijnenburg, A., Kemperman, A., Wessling, M., Temmink, H., & van der Meer, W. (2010). Influence of membrane properties on fouling in submerged membrane bioreactors. Journal of membrane science, 348(1), 66-74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2009.10.054
van der Marel, P., Zwijnenburg, A., Kemperman, A., Wessling, M., Temmink, H., & van der Meer, W. (2009). An improved flux-step method to determine the critical flux and the critical flux for irreversibility in a membrane bioreactor. Journal of membrane science, 332(1), 24-29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2009.01.046
Vrijenhoek, E. M., Hong, S., & Elimelech, M. (2001). Influence of membrane surface properties on initial rate of colloidal fouling of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes. Journal of membrane science, 188(1), 115-128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-7388(01)00376-3
Wang, W., Jung, Y. J., Kiso, Y., Yamada, T., & Min, K. S. (2006). Excess sludge reduction performance of an aerobic SBR process equipped with a submerged mesh filter unit. Process biochemistry, 41(4), 745-751. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2005.09.016
Wang, X., Chang, V. W., & Tang, C. Y. (2016). Osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) technology for wastewater treatment and reclamation: Advances, challenges, and prospects for the future. Journal of membrane science, 504, 113-132. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2016.01.010
Wu, J., & Huang, X. (2008). Effect of dosing polymeric ferric sulfate on fouling characteristics, mixed liquor properties and performance in a long-term running membrane bioreactor. Separation and purification technology, 63(1), 45-52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2008.03.033
Wu, Z., Wang, Z., Huang, S., Mai, S., Yang, C., Wang, X., & Zhou, Z. (2008). Effects of various factors on critical flux in submerged membrane bioreactors for municipal wastewater treatment. Separation and purification technology, 62(1), 56-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2007.12.016
Yoon, S. H., & Collins, J. H. (2006). A novel flux enhancing method for membrane bioreactor (MBR) process using polymer. Desalination, 191(1-3), 52-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2005.04.124
Yu, K., Wen, X., Bu, Q., & Xia, H. (2003). Critical flux enhancements with air sparging in axial hollow fibers cross-flow microfiltration of biologically treated wastewater. Journal of membrane science, 224(1), 69-79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2003.07.001
Yu, H. Y., Xu, Z. K., Lei, H., Hu, M. X., & Yang, Q. (2007). Photoinduced graft polymerization of acrylamide on polypropylene microporous membranes for the improvement of antifouling characteristics in a submerged membrane-bioreactor. Separation and purification technology, 53(1), 119-125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2006.07.002
Zhang, H. F., Sun, B. S., Zhao, X. H., & Gao, Z. H. (2008). Effect of ferric chloride on fouling in membrane bioreactor. Separation and purification technology, 63(2), 341-347. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2008.05.024
Zhang, J., Chua, H. C., Zhou, J., & Fane, A. G. (2006). Factors affecting the membrane performance in submerged membrane bioreactors. Journal of membrane science, 284(1), 54-66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.06.022
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
