Self-forming dynamic membrane as a sustainable alternative to synthetic membranes for MBR

Abstract

The Membrane BioReactor (MBR) is a well-known technology for wastewater treatment that integrates bioprocesses with membrane filtration. The MBR has been widely applied for the treatment of both urban and industrial wastewater and it can be considered a reliable process in order to produce high quality effluents (Judd 2011). However, synthetic membranes are relatively expensive and delicate. Changes in the influent characteristics or in the operating conditions of the bioprocess may rapidly cause irreversible fouling of the membranes, so reducing their lifespan.