Advances in anaerobic membrane bioreactor technology for municipal wastewater treatment: A 2020 updated review. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vinardell, S.; Astals, S.; Peces, M.; Cardete, M.A.; Fernández, I.; Mata-Alvarez, J.; Dosta, J.
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 130(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion -- Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) -- Forward osmosis (FO) -- Fouling -- Water resource recovery facility (WRRF) -- Municipal sewage; AeMBR aerobic membrane bioreactor -- AFBR anaerobic fluidised bed reactor -- AFMBR anaerobic fluidised membrane bed reactor -- AnMBR anaerobic membrane bioreactor -- AnDMBR anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor -- AnMF-OMBR anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactor coupled with microfiltration -- AnOMBR anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactor -- BSA bovine serum albumin -- CAS conventional activated sludge -- CFV cross-flow velocity -- COD chemical oxygen demand -- CSTR completely stirred tank reactor -- DAMO denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation -- DLVO Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek -- EGSB expanded granular sludge bed -- EPSs extracellular polymeric substances -- FO forward osmosis -- GAC granular activated carbon -- Gl-AnMBR Gas-lift anaerobic membrane bioreactor -- HRT hydraulic retention time -- LMH liters per square meter per hour -- MF microfiltration -- MLSS mixed liquor suspended solids -- OLR organic loading rate -- PAC powdered activated carbon -- PET polyethylene terephthalate -- PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride -- RO reverse osmosis -- SGD specific gas demand -- SMP soluble microbial products -- SRB sulphate-reducing bacteria -- SRT solids retention time -- TMP transmembrane pressure -- UASB upflow anaerobic sludge blanket -- UF ultrafiltration -- WW wastewater -- WWTP wastewater treatment plant; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.109936
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: The application of anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) for mainstream municipal sewage treatment is almost ready for full-scale implementation. However, some challenges still need to be addressed to make AnMBR technically and economically feasible. This article presents an updated review of five challenges that currently hinder the implementation of AnMBR technology for mainstream sewage treatment: (i) membrane fouling, (ii) process configuration, (iii) process temperature, (iv) sewage sulphate concentration, and (v) sewage low organics concentration. The gel layer appears to be the main responsible for membrane fouling and flux decline being molecules size and morphology critical properties for its formation. The review also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of five novel AnMBR configurations aiming to optimise fouling control. These include the integration of membrane technology with CSTR or upflow digesters, and the utilisation of scouring particles. Psychrophilic temperatures and high sulphate concentrations are two other limiting factors due to their impact on methane yields and membrane performance. Besides the methane dissolved in the effluent and the competition for organic matter between sulphate reducing bacteria and methanogens, the review examines the impact of temperature on microbial kinetics and community, and their combined effect on AnMBR performance. Finally, the review evaluates the possibility to pre-concentrate municipal sewage by forward osmosis. Sewage pre-concentration is an opportunity to reduce the volumetric flow rate and the dissolved methane losses. Overall, the resolution of these challenges requires a compromise solution considering membrane filtration, anaerobic digestion performance and economic feasibility. Highlights: Five main challenges were identified for mainstream AnMBR implementation. Membrane fouling appears influenced by molecules size and morphology. New AnMBR configurations are gaining attention to improve fouling control. Psychrophilic temperatures and influent sulphate are limiting factors for AnMBRs. Sewage pre-concentration could improve the applicability of AnMBR technology.