INVESTIGATION OF nZVI AND TiO2 NANOPARTICLES EFFECT ON THE MEMBRANE FOULING RATE IN ANAEROBIC MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In recent years, membrane bioreactor technology (MBRs) has been increasingly used for wastewater treatment. However, the MBR system faces membrane fouling problems, which lead to higher operating costs, membrane replacement expenses, and reduced competitiveness. Therefore, understanding membrane fouling is essential not only for solving these issues but also as a key factor in advancing membrane technology. In this study, the effects of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the membrane fouling rate in a laboratory-scale submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating landfill leachate (LFL) were investigated under controlled conditions (50-300 mg/L nZVI and TiO2). Additionally, both nZVI and TiO2 nanoparticles were compared regarding their impact on membrane fouling. The optimal membrane performance was observed at 100 mg/L TiO2 and 100 mg/L nZVI, with membrane fouling rates of 36 mbar/day and 34 mbar/day, respectively. The addition of TiO2 and nZVI significantly reduced membrane fouling (by 40% with TiO2 and 70% with nZVI) in the AnMBR. When comparing nZVI and TiO2 regarding membrane fouling rate, nZVI demonstrated the best performance. Based on the results, applying NPs in MBR systems significantly improves performance and reduces membrane fouling.
Authors: Serdar Göçer, Kevser Cırık
Institutions: Cukurova University, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Çukurova Üniversitesi
OpenAlex ID: W7138989833