Membrane bioreactors and their uses in wastewater treatments

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2010 Dec;88(6):1253-60. doi: 10.1007/s00253-010-2885-8. Epub 2010 Sep 24.

Abstract

With the current need for more efficient and reliable processes for municipal and industrial wastewaters treatment, membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology has received considerable attention. After just a couple of decades of existence, MBR can now be considered as an established wastewater treatment system, competing directly with conventional processes like activated sludge treatment plant. However, MBR processes still suffer from major drawbacks, including high operational costs due to the use of anti-fouling strategies applied to the system to maintain sustainable filtration conditions. Moreover, this specific use of membranes has not reached full maturity yet, as MBR suppliers and users still lack experience regarding the long-term performances of the system. Still, major improvements of the MBR design and operation have been witnessed over the recent years, making MBR an option of choice for wastewater treatment and reuse. This mini-review reports recent developments and current research trends in the field.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bioreactors / economics
  • Bioreactors / microbiology*
  • Membranes / microbiology*
  • Water Microbiology*
  • Water Purification / economics
  • Water Purification / methods*