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Membranes
Special Issues
Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021–2022
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Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021–2022

A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Membrane Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 21947

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Petros Samaras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Technologies of Environmental Protection and Utilization of Food By-Products, Department of Food Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: water and wastewater management; environmental engineering; environmental monitoring; circular bio/economy; utilization of food by-products; microalgal biorefinery; nutrients recovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Dimitra Banti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Technologies of Environmental Protection and Utilization of Food By-Products, Department of Food Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: wastewater treatment; membrane bioreactors; membrane fouling mitigation; membrane processes; activated sludge process; soluble microbial products; extracellular polymeric substances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have been widely used for wastewater treatment worldwide in full scale plants, due to their advantages over conventional systems, including excellent effluent quality, occupation of small land area, low hydraulic retention time, higher solids retention time and low sludge production rate. However, complicated operation, and especially membrane fouling, represent big challenges in the broader application of the method. Currently, more and more research efforts are paid towards the exploitation of new materials and operation strategies for efficiently addressing these limitations. In this direction, novel MBR operation modes, the development of composite membranes with specific properties, and the design of hybrid systems have received much attention by researchers.

The aim of the Special Issue on "Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021" of the Journal of Membranes is to seek state of the art contributions on the last research works dealing with the operation and fouling control of Membrane Bioreactors. Among the topics are included papers on strategies for efficient fouling mitigation, the fabrication of novel membranes with antifouling properties, the establishment of advanced operation methods with high biocommunity activity, the design of specific combined processes hybrid membrane bioreactors, life cycle assessment of MBRs for reduced energy footprint and high effluent quality, energy and nutrient recovery. Authors are encouraged to submit initial research works or review papers.

Prof. Dr. Petros Samaras
Dr. Dimitra Banti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • membrane bioreactors
  • fouling mitigation
  • membrane modification
  • MBR operation control

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 27653 KiB  
Article
Compact Carbon-Based Membrane Reactors for the Intensified Anaerobic Decolorization of Dye Effluents
by Mohammad Shaiful Alam Amin, Frank Stüber, Jaume Giralt, Agustin Fortuny, Azael Fabregat and Josep Font
Membranes 2022, 12(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12020174 - 1 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2235
Abstract
Carbon-based membranes integrated with anaerobic biodegradation are presented as a unique wastewater treatment approach to deal with dye effluents. This study explores the scope of ceramic-supported carbon membrane bioreactors (B-CSCM) and ceramic-supported graphene oxide membrane bioreactors (B-CSGOM) to decolorize azo dye mixtures (ADM) [...] Read more.
Carbon-based membranes integrated with anaerobic biodegradation are presented as a unique wastewater treatment approach to deal with dye effluents. This study explores the scope of ceramic-supported carbon membrane bioreactors (B-CSCM) and ceramic-supported graphene oxide membrane bioreactors (B-CSGOM) to decolorize azo dye mixtures (ADM) and other dyes. The mixture was prepared using an equimolar composition of monoazo Acid Orange 7, diazo Reactive Black 5, and triazo Direct Blue 71 dye aqueous solution. Afterwards, as in the ADM experiment, both compact units were investigated for their ability in the biodecolorization of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dye solutions, which do not belong to the azo family. The obtained outcomes revealed that the conductive surface of the graphene oxide (GO) membrane resulted in a more efficient and higher color removal of all dye solutions than B-CSCM under a wide feed concentration and permeate flux ranges. The maximum color removal at low feed concentration (50 mg·L−1) and permeate flux (0.05 L·m−2·h−1) was 96% for ADM, 98% for MB and 94% for RhB, whereas it was 89%, 94% and 66%, respectively, for B-CSCM. This suggests that the robust, cost-effective, efficient nanostructures of B-CSGOM can successfully remove diverse azo dye solutions from wastewater better than the B-CSCM does. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021–2022)
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26 pages, 2087 KiB  
Article
Optimising the Flux Enhancer Dosing Strategy in a Pilot-Scale Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor by Mathematical Modelling
by Magela Odriozola, Jules B. van Lier and Henri Spanjers
Membranes 2022, 12(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12020151 - 26 Jan 2022
Viewed by 2689
Abstract
Flux enhancers (FEs) have been successfully applied for fouling mitigation in membrane bioreactors. However, more research is needed to compare and optimise different dosing strategies to improve the filtration performance, while minimising the use of FEs and preventing overdosing. Therefore, the goal of [...] Read more.
Flux enhancers (FEs) have been successfully applied for fouling mitigation in membrane bioreactors. However, more research is needed to compare and optimise different dosing strategies to improve the filtration performance, while minimising the use of FEs and preventing overdosing. Therefore, the goal of this research is to develop an optimised control strategy for FE dosing into an AnMBR by developing a comprehensive integrated mathematical model. The integrated model includes filtration, flocculation, and biochemical processes to predict the effect of FE dosing on sludge filterability and membrane fouling rate in an AnMBR. The biochemical model was based on an ADM1, modified to include FEs and colloidal material. We developed an empirical model for the FE-induced flocculation of colloidal material. Various alternate filtration models from the literature and our own empirical models were implemented, calibrated, and validated; the best alternatives were selected based on model accuracy and capacity of the model to predict the effect of varying sludge characteristics on the corresponding output, that is fouling rate or sludge filterability. The results showed that fouling rate and sludge filterability were satisfactorily predicted by the selected filtration models. The best integrated model was successfully applied in the simulation environment to compare three feedback and two feedforward control tools to manipulate FE dosing to an AnMBR. The modelling results revealed that the most appropriate control tool was a feedback sludge filterability controller that dosed FEs continuously, referred to as ∆R20_10. Compared to the other control tools, application of the ∆R20_10 controller resulted in a more stable sludge filterability and steady fouling rate, when the AnMBR was subject to specific disturbances. The simulation environment developed in this research was shown to be a useful tool to test strategies for dosing flux enhancer into AnMBRs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021–2022)
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15 pages, 6949 KiB  
Article
Membrane Fouling Controlled by Adjustment of Biological Treatment Parameters in Step-Aerating MBR
by Dimitra C. Banti, Manassis Mitrakas and Petros Samaras
Membranes 2021, 11(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11080553 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3479
Abstract
A promising solution for membrane fouling reduction in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) could be the adjustment of operating parameters of the MBR, such as hydraulic retention time (HRT), food/microorganisms (F/M) loading and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, aiming to modify the sludge morphology to the [...] Read more.
A promising solution for membrane fouling reduction in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) could be the adjustment of operating parameters of the MBR, such as hydraulic retention time (HRT), food/microorganisms (F/M) loading and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, aiming to modify the sludge morphology to the direction of improvement of the membrane filtration. In this work, these parameters were investigated in a step-aerating pilot MBR that treated municipal wastewater, in order to control the filamentous population. When F/M loading in the first aeration tank (AT1) was ≤0.65 ± 0.2 g COD/g MLSS/d at 20 ± 3 °C, DO = 2.5 ± 0.1 mg/L and HRT = 1.6 h, the filamentous bacteria were controlled effectively at a moderate filament index of 1.5–3. The moderate population of filamentous bacteria improved the membrane performance, leading to low transmembrane pressure (TMP) at values ≤ 2 kPa for a great period, while at the control MBR the TMP gradually increased reaching 14 kPa. Soluble microbial products (SMP), were also maintained at low concentrations, contributing additionally to the reduction of ΤΜP. Finally, the step-aerating MBR process and the selected imposed operating conditions of HRT, F/M and DO improved the MBR performance in terms of fouling control, facilitating its future wider application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021–2022)
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Review

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21 pages, 25748 KiB  
Review
Membrane Bioreactors for Produced Water Treatment: A Mini-Review
by Dennis Asante-Sackey, Sudesh Rathilal, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh and Edward Kwaku Armah
Membranes 2022, 12(3), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12030275 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5661
Abstract
Environmentalists are prioritizing reuse, recycling, and recovery systems to meet rising water demand. Diving into produced water treatment to enable compliance by the petroleum industry to meet discharge limits has increased research into advanced treatment technologies. The integration of biological degradation of pollutants [...] Read more.
Environmentalists are prioritizing reuse, recycling, and recovery systems to meet rising water demand. Diving into produced water treatment to enable compliance by the petroleum industry to meet discharge limits has increased research into advanced treatment technologies. The integration of biological degradation of pollutants and membrane separation has been recognized as a versatile technology in dealing with produced water with strength of salts, minerals, and oils being produced during crude refining operation. This review article presents highlights on produced water, fundamental principles of membrane bioreactors (MBRs), advantages of MBRs over conventional technologies, and research progress in the application of MBRs in treating produced water. Having limited literature that specifically addresses MBRs for PW treatment, this review also attempts to elucidate the treatment efficiency of MBRs PW treatment, integrated MBR systems, general fouling, and fouling mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021–2022)
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44 pages, 3238 KiB  
Review
Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: A Literature Review
by Yerkanat N. Kanafin, Dinara Kanafina, Simos Malamis, Evina Katsou, Vassilis J. Inglezakis, Stavros G. Poulopoulos and Elizabeth Arkhangelsky
Membranes 2021, 11(12), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11120967 - 8 Dec 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6233
Abstract
Currently, there is growing scientific interest in the development of more economic, efficient and environmentally friendly municipal wastewater treatment technologies. Laboratory and pilot-scale surveys have revealed that the anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) is a promising alternative for municipal wastewater treatment. Anaerobic membrane bioreactor [...] Read more.
Currently, there is growing scientific interest in the development of more economic, efficient and environmentally friendly municipal wastewater treatment technologies. Laboratory and pilot-scale surveys have revealed that the anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) is a promising alternative for municipal wastewater treatment. Anaerobic membrane bioreactor technology combines the advantages of anaerobic processes and membrane technology. Membranes retain colloidal and suspended solids and provide complete solid–liquid separation. The slow-growing anaerobic microorganisms in the bioreactor degrade the soluble organic matter, producing biogas. The low amount of produced sludge and the production of biogas makes AnMBRs favorable over conventional biological treatment technologies. However, the AnMBR is not yet fully mature and challenging issues remain. This work focuses on fundamental aspects of AnMBRs in the treatment of municipal wastewater. The important parameters for AnMBR operation, such as pH, temperature, alkalinity, volatile fatty acids, organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and solids retention time, are discussed. Moreover, through a comprehensive literature survey of recent applications from 2009 to 2021, the current state of AnMBR technology is assessed and its limitations are highlighted. Finally, the need for further laboratory, pilot- and full-scale research is addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Membrane Bioreactors 2021–2022)
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