Work

Analysis of dynamic membrane build-up in an aerobic membrane bioreactor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates the dynamic membrane build-up of a nitrifying aerobic membrane bioreactor operated at high fluxes. The process achieved complete nitrification and a marked reduction in organic load. The build-up of the dynamic membrane was evaluated under different filtration fluxes (50–400 L/hm 2 ). The effect of particle content and different cleaning strategies were also assessed. Results show that filtration flux has no influence on the initial construction of the dynamic membrane or on effluent quality, which achieves acceptable turbidity levels for its reuse in less than four minutes. However, operation at high fluxes does lead to cake layer compaction in shorter operating times. Metabolite content is key to the formation of dynamic membranes, but without the presence of particles, the separation efficiency of the dynamic membrane is reduced. Results also indicate that air-backwashing is the best physical cleaning strategy among those tested, as it removes some of the pore-blocking material and enables longer filtration times between cleanings. In addition, the off-spec product time is less than one minute after each cleaning.

Source: Chemical Engineering Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2025.122300

Authors: Oliver Díaz, Enrique González, Ignacio Ruigómez, Luisa Vera

Institution: Universidad de La Laguna

Language: English

Topic: Membrane Separation Technologies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,050