Work

Performance comparison of microalgae-based and activated sludge with membrane filtration (AS-MBR) for emerging contaminant removal and wastewater reuse

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The removal efficiency of microalgae cultures was compared to that of an activated sludge system with ultrafiltration. Three systems were assessed: an outdoor algae pond, a lab-scale setup simulating open-air conditions, and a full-scale activated sludge facility. High removal rates (>80 %) were observed for hydrophobic, biodegradable or volatile compounds across all systems, despite differences in treatment nature. In microalgae systems, bioadsorption and photodegradation were key pathways, with enhanced removal of UV-sensitive compounds in the outdoor pond. In the activated sludge membrane-assisted system, biosorption and volatilization led to very low pollutant concentrations in the effluent. The membrane bioreactor outperformed conventional activated sludge systems due to higher aeration, sludge age and the elevated solids concentration. The three tested systems produce final effluents that met European standards for reclaimed water, in terms of biological contamination, and the limits proposed for emerging contaminant removal.

Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140553

Authors: Félix Gaspar Gonzalo Ibrahim, Raúl Muñoz Torre, Ana María Botero Coy, Félix Hernandez, Ignacio de Godos Crespo

Institutions: Universidad de Valladolid, Universitat Jaume I

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,340