Low dose powdered activated carbon addition at high sludge retention times to reduce fouling in membrane bioreactors

Water Res. 2009 Feb;43(2):345-50. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2008.10.033. Epub 2008 Oct 25.

Abstract

The addition of a low concentration of PAC (0.5gL(-1) of sludge, i.e. a dose of 4mgL(-1) of wastewater), in combination with a relatively long SRT (50 days), to improve membrane filtration performance was investigated in two pilot-scale MBRs treating real municipal wastewater. Continuous filterability tests at high flux showed the possibility to run for 18h at 72Lm(-2)h(-1) and 180h at 50Lm(-2)h(-1), while significant fouling occurred without PAC. In addition, measurements of the critical flux showed an increase of 10% for this strategy. Low dosage and high retention time makes it feasible and cost effective. Further advantages with regard to permeate quality and possible micropollutants removal are currently under investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Bioreactors*
  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Filtration / instrumentation
  • Filtration / methods
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Time Factors
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Carbon