Work

Turbulent up-flow hydrodynamic optimization enables high-rate anaerobic membrane bioreactor for refractory PTA wastewater treatment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The treatment of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater by anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) is challenged by aromatic pollutant toxicity and membrane fouling. To address those, a novel Turbulent Up-Flow Compartmentalized AnMBR (TUC-AnMBR) was developed by creating a controlled turbulent up-flow regime generating strong hydrodynamic shear force to mitigate membrane fouling and enhance process efficiency. During long-term operation, the reactor achieved a high methane yield of 0.346 L·g-COD −1 , with total COD removal of >98.2% and aromatic compound degradation of >99.9% even at an ultra-short hydraulic retention time of 4 h. The imposed shear stress promoted the secretion of protein-rich EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) and facilitated cake-layer formation, thereby accelerating the re-granulation of small particles and the rapid development of robust granular sludge. This sludge environment enriched key syntrophic consortia, including Syntrophorhabdus (12.75%) and Methanobacterium (14.03%), enhancing direct interspecies electron transfer and effectively controlling membrane fouling (transmembrane pressure < 0.024 kPa·d −1 ). The TUC-AnMBR exhibited exceptional process stability, underscoring the potential of shear-induced hydrodynamic optimization for energy-efficient wastewater treatment. This work advances the application of low-carbon anaerobic technology for treating refractory industrial wastewater.

Source: Journal of Water Process Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.109648