A modeling study of fouling development in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment

Water Environ Res. 2006 Aug;78(8):857-63. doi: 10.2175/106143005x73028.

Abstract

Membrane fouling is a primary concern in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) in wastewater treatment because it strongly affects both system stability and economic feasibility. A mathematical model was developed in this study for membrane fouling in submerged MBR systems for wastewater treatment, in which both reversible and irreversible fouling were quantified. While mixed liquor suspended solids are the major components of the reversible fouling layer, dissolved organic matter is thought to be the key foulant, in particular, responsible for the long-term irreversible fouling of the filtration unit. The model was calibrated (parameter identification) with a set of operational data from a pilot MBR and then verified with other independent operational data from the MBR. The good agreement between theoretical predictions and operational data demonstrates that the outlined modeling concept can be successfully applied to describe membrane fouling in submerged MBR systems.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioreactors* / economics
  • Computer Simulation
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / economics
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / methods*
  • Filtration
  • Maintenance / methods
  • Micropore Filters / economics
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Particle Size
  • Particulate Matter / adverse effects
  • Particulate Matter / isolation & purification
  • Pilot Projects
  • Time Factors
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Particulate Matter