Achievements in membrane bioreactors for wastewater and water treatment

Abstract Membrane bioreactor (MBR) has emerged as an efficient compact technology in separation processes. Among different treatment technologies, MBR with special structural membrane properties is considered as a powerful technology for efficient municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, which is still in rapid growth today. In this chapter, firstly, fundamental and comprehensive assessments of MBR, its applications, and its advantages and disadvantages over conventional activated sludge (CAS) are reviewed. Secondly, membrane configurations, MBR classifications, and basic principles of MBR design are comprehensively highlighted. Meanwhile, the membrane and bioreactor parameters as significant design and operating parameters in the MBR system are introduced and discussed. In spite of more than a decade of significant advances in developing fouling mitigation methods, membrane fouling is still considered the major bottleneck limiting the energy-efficient operation and maintenance of MBRs. Therefore an overview of fouling affecting parameters and controlling strategies are provided. Finally the challenges and opportunities that should be addressed to facilitate the extended use of MBRs are outlined.