Advancements in algal membrane bioreactors: Overcoming obstacles and harnessing potential for eliminating hazardous pollutants from wastewater

M Mofijur; M M Hasan; Sabrina Sultana; Zobaidul Kabir; F Djavanroodi; Shams Forruque Ahmed; M I Jahirul; Irfan Anjum Badruddin; T M Yunus Khan

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139291

Advancements in algal membrane bioreactors: Overcoming obstacles and harnessing potential for eliminating hazardous pollutants from wastewater

Chemosphere. 2023 Sep:336:139291. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139291. Epub 2023 Jun 21.

Authors

M Mofijur¹, M M Hasan², Sabrina Sultana³, Zobaidul Kabir⁴, F Djavanroodi⁵, Shams Forruque Ahmed⁶, M I Jahirul⁷, Irfan Anjum Badruddin⁸, T M Yunus Khan⁸

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: MdMofijur.Rahman@uts.edu.au.
² Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, QLD, 4701, Australia.
³ Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
⁴ School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW, 2258, Australia.
⁵ Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia.
⁶ Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh.
⁷ School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, QLD, 4701, Australia.
⁸ Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia.

PMID: 37353165
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139291

Abstract

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of algal-based membrane bioreactors (AMBRs) and their potential for removing hazardous and toxic contaminants from wastewater. Through an identification of contaminant types and sources, as well as an explanation of AMBR operating principles, this study sheds light on the promising capabilities of AMBRs in eliminating pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, while generating valuable biomass and energy. However, challenges and limitations, such as the need for process optimization and the risk of algal-bacterial imbalance, have been identified. To overcome these obstacles, strategies like mixed cultures and bioaugmentation techniques have been proposed. Furthermore, this study explores the wider applications of AMBRs beyond wastewater treatment, including the production of value-added products and the removal of emerging contaminants. The findings underscore the significance of factors such as appropriate algal-bacterial consortia selection, hydraulic and organic loading rate optimization, and environmental factor control for the success of AMBRs. A comprehensive understanding of these challenges and opportunities can pave the way for more efficient and effective wastewater treatment processes, which are crucial for safeguarding public health and the environment.

Keywords: Algal membrane bioreactors (AMBRs); Bioremediation; Hazardous contaminants; Removal efficiency; Toxic pollutants; Wastewater treatment.

MeSH terms

Bacteria
Bioreactors / microbiology
Environmental Pollutants*
Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods
Wastewater*

Substances

Wastewater
Environmental Pollutants