Effects of the acidogenic biomass on the performance of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor for wastewater treatment

Role of microparticles in membrane fouling from acidogenesis to methanogenesis phases in an anaerobic baffled reactor

Microparticles (0.45-10 μm) have been recognized as key foulants in anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs). However, their characteristics and fouling behaviors are often understood in single-stage and completely mixed reactors, failing to elucidate the occurrence of microparticles in the multi-stage anaerobic bioprocess. Here, a lab-scale anaerobic baffled reactor with four compartments (C1-C4) was employed to explore the composition and fouling potential of microparticles in different compartments. Photometric analysis showed that the microparticles had an increasing percentage in the total organics of the top supernatant but a decreasing concentration from C1 to C4. Long-term filtration and dead-end filtration tests revealed that the top supernatant in C1 had much higher fouling potential than those in C2-C4. The supernatant microparticles significantly accumulated in the cake layers for each compartment (68-95% of the total organics), particularly the fraction of 1-5 μm, and the fouling rate was positively correlated with the biomass accumulation rate. Based on reactor performance and 16S rRNA gene sequences, a significant bio-phase separation occurred between C1 (acidogenesis) and C2-C4 (methanogenesis). And hydrolytic and fermentative bacteria in the family Veillonellaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae were dominant in the supernatant microparticles, particularly in C1, which had a positive correlation with the fouling rate and biomass accumulation rate. These above results all revealed that the microparticles in the acidogenesis phase had higher fouling potential. In summary, our results suggest that the tactic of pre-hydrolysis and acidification with feedstocks and constructing AnMBRs by coupling with multi-phase anaerobic bioprocesses and membrane units could be beneficial to fouling control.

Resource recovery from sugarcane vinasse by anaerobic digestion - A review

The increase in biofuel production by 2030, driven by the targets set at the 21st United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), will promote an increase in ethanol production, and consequently more vinasse generation. Sugarcane vinasse, despite having a high polluting potential due to its high concentration of organic matter and nutrients, has the potential to produce value-added resources such as volatile fatty acids (VFA), biohydrogen (bioH₂) and biomethane (bioCH₄) from anaerobic digestion. The objective of this paper is to present a critical review on the vinasse treatment by anaerobic digestion focusing on the final products. Effects of operational parameters on production and recovery of these resources, such as pH, temperature, retention time and type of inoculum were addressed. Given the importance of treating sugarcane vinasse due to its complex composition and high volume generated in the ethanol production process, this is the first review that evaluates the production of VFAs, bioH₂ and bioCH₄ in the treatment of this organic residue. Also, the challenges of the simultaneous production of VFA, bioH₂ and bioCH₄ and resources recovery in the wastewater streams generated in flex-fuel plants, using sugarcane and corn as raw material in ethanol production, are presented. The installation of flex-fuel plants was briefly discussed, with the main impacts on the treatment process of these effluents either jointly or simultaneously, depending on the harvest season.

Anaerobic self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactors (AnSFDMBRs) for wastewater treatment - Recent advances, process optimization and perspectives

Recently, anaerobic self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactors (AnSFDMBRs) have attracted increasing attention, and are considered as an alternative to conventional anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs). The key advantages of AnSFDMBRs include high flux, low propensity towards fouling, and low capital and operational costs. Although there have been several reviews on AnMBRs, very few reviews on AnSFDMBR system. Previous AnSFDMBR studies have focused on lab-scale to investigate the long-term flux, methods to improve performance and the associated mechanisms. Microbial analysis showed that the phyla namely Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are dominant in both bulk sludge and cake biofilm, but their abundance is low in biocake. This review critically examines the fundamentals of AnSFDMBRs, operational conditions, process optimization and applications. Moreover, the current knowledge gaps (e.g., dynamic membrane module optimization, membrane surface modification and functional microbes enrichment) that should be studied in future to design an efficient AnSFDMBR system for treatment of diverse wastewaters.

A highly efficient and energy-saving magnetically induced membrane vibration system for harvesting microalgae

The optimal operational parameters of a second generation magnetically induced membrane vibration (MMV) system were determined using the response surface methodology (RSM) combined with single-factor experiments. The membrane surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and algae cell states by inverted microscopy. The effect of an intermittent vibration strategy on filtration performance and energy consumption was studied. The results showed that the responses could be fitted by RSM models. High membrane flux, low energy consumption, efficient fouling control and no damage to the microalgae could thus be realized. The filtration strategy tests suggested that an intermittent cycle time of 4 min with 50% vibration rate could be the best vibration strategy for harvesting the microalgae under investigation.

Treatment of cheese whey by a cross-flow anaerobic membrane bioreactor: Biological and filtration performance

Whey, produced in large quantities during cheese production, is a rapidly fermentable high strength wastewater characterized by a high biodegradability and low alkalinity. In this study, a lab-scale cross-flow anaerobic membrane bioreactor was used to address the commonly experienced difficulties such as unstable reactor performance and unexpected biomass losses when treating whey wastewater with conventional anaerobic reactors. The anaerobic membrane bioreactor provided a stable treatment performance, i.e. more than 90% chemical oxygen demand removal, and moderate membrane fluxes between 8 and 11 L m^-2 h^-1 could be obtained, applying a low cross-flow velocity of about 0.5 m s^-1. Short term critical flux tests revealed that higher fluxes up to 36 L m^-2 h^-1 are possible at elevated cross-flow velocities and/or reduced mixed liquor suspended solids concentrations. Sludge filterability indicated by capillary suction time and specific resistance to filtration deteriorated throughout the study. Chemical cleaning efficiency gradually decreased, indicating irreversible membrane fouling during long term operation.

Biological performance and sludge filterability of anaerobic membrane bioreactors under nitrogen limited and supplied conditions

The impact of nitrogen on biological performance and sludge filterability of anaerobic membrane bioreactors was investigated in two lab-scale cross-flow anaerobic membrane bioreactors that were fed with cheese whey at two different COD:TKN ratios (50 and 190). Nitrogen deprivation adversely affected the biological treatment performance and reactor stability, as indicated by volatile fatty acids accumulation. On the other hand, nitrogen (urea) supplementation resulted in a reduced sludge median particle size and decreased sludge filterability. Standard filterability parameters such as capillary suction time and specific resistance to filtration tended to rapidly increase in the nitrogen supplemented reactor. The critical fluxes in the nitrogen limited and supplemented reactors were 20 and 9 L m^-2 h^-1, respectively. The rapid deterioration of sludge filterability under nitrogen supplemented conditions was attributed to abundant growth of dispersed biomass. Thus, the COD:TKN ratio of wastewater affected both bioconversion and filterability performance in the anaerobic membrane bioreactors.

Development of a high-rate submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor

Typically, anaerobic membrane bioreactors are operated at an organic loading rate (OLR) less than 10 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m³d. This paper discusses the development and performance of a high-rate submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) for a high-strength synthetic industrial wastewater treatment. An OLR as high as 41 kg COD/m³ d was achieved with excellent COD removal efficiency (>99%). The membrane was operated at constant fluxes (9.4-9.9 ± 0.5 L/m² h) and the change in trans-membrane pressure (TMP) was monitored to characterize the membrane performance. The results showed a low TMP (<5 kPa) under steady-state operation with only biogas sparging and relaxation as control strategy for over 300 days, implying no significant fouling was developed. Inorganic fouling was the dominant fouling mechanism occurred at the end of the study. The results suggest that the newly developed SAnMBR configuration can treat high-strength wastewater at lower capital expenditure while still providing superior effluent quality for water reuse or system closure.

Thermophilic membrane bioreactors: A review

This study undertakes a state-of-the-art review on thermophilic membrane bioreactors (ThMBRs). Thermophilic aerobic membrane bioreactors (ThAeMBR) and thermophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactors (ThAnMBR) have been widely tested for various high-temperature industrial wastewater treatments at lab- and pilot-scale studies and full-scale applications. The biological and membrane performances of the ThAeMBRs and ThAnMBRs could be better, comparable or poorer, as compared to the mesophilic ones. In general, sludge yield was much lower, biodegradation kinetic was higher, and microbial community was less diversity in the ThAeMBR and ThAnMBR systems. The results from the literature show that ThMBR technology has demonstrated many advantages and is a promising technology for industrial wastewater treatment and sludge digestion. Furthermore, challenges and opportunities of various ThMBRs for industrial applications are identified and discussed.

Effects of coupling a UF membrane with a mesh screen and elevating temperature in the methanogenic digester of a two-phased anaerobic system

This study was conducted to investigate coupling of UF with a mesh screen under thermophilic temperatures and compare the effectiveness of membrane filtration and temperature change in the methanogenic digester. A two-phased anaerobic digester coupled with an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system was used for anaerobic sludge digestion. The overall average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency achieved in the two-phased anaerobic digester coupled with the UF membrane system was 97.9 ± 0.8%. In the methanogenic digester, 10.5% improvement of methane production rate was obtained by the increased microbial population and metabolic activity due to coupling with a UF membrane and a mesh screen and elevating the temperature from mesophilic to thermophilic conditions. The average methane production per VS loading and unit volume (m³) was 477.14 ± 31.5 and 567.15 ± 43.3 mL CH₄g^-1 VS before and after elevating the temperature, respectively. The optimal operating pressure for the UF membrane system was less than 3 kg_f cm^-2, and the mesh screen saved 19.0% of the operating cost and 17.3% of energy consumption. As a result, the UF membrane system enhanced the digestion of sewage sludge, where the elevation of temperature improved the methane production rate in the thermophilic methanogenic digester.

A systematic study on the effect of substrate acidification degree and acidogenic biomass on sludge filterability

The influence of substrate acidification on sludge filtration characteristics was systematically investigated by using short term filtration tests. Four reactors were operated with raw and acidified whey permeate in order to evaluate the effect of acidogens on sludge filterability. The results showed that feeding non-acidified substrate promoted the growth of acidogens which in return decreased the median particle size of the sludge and adversely influenced specific resistance to filtration (SRF). In addition to the presence of acidogens, the food to mass (F:M) ratio was found as an important operation parameter on sludge filterability. Various filterability indicators, such as capillary suction time (CST), SRF and supernatant filterability, tended to became worse at increased F:M ratios. The decreased filterability at high F:M ratio was attributed to the accumulation of soluble microbial products (SMP) in the reactors. Interestingly, impact of acidogens on short term critical flux tests was not significant, but this may be a consequence of the experimental set-up.

Membrane applications for biogas production and purification processes: an overview on a smart alternative for process intensification

Biogas is the result of a complex conversion process that takes place because of the metabolic activity of various types of bacteria.

Effect of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel as a biocarrier on volatile fatty acids production of a two-stage thermophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactor

This work studied the effect of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVA-gel) beads, as an effective biocarrier for volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in hydrolytic reactor of a two-stage thermophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactor (TAnMBR). The two-stage TAnMBR, treating synthetic high strength particulate wastewater with influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) [16.4±0.8 g/L], was operated at 55 °C. Under steady state conditions, the reactor was operated at an organic loading rate of 8.2±0.4 kg COD/m(3) d. Operational performance of the system was monitored by assessing VFA composition and quantity, methane production and COD removal efficiency. Increment of VFA production was observed with PVA-gel addition. Hydrolytic effluent contained large amount of acetic acid and n-butyric acid. However, increase in VFA production adversely affected the methanogenic reactor performance due to lack of methanogenic archaea.

Two-stage anaerobic membrane bioreactor for the treatment of sugarcane vinasse: assessment on biological activity and filtration performance

A two-stage submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (2-SAnMBR) was designed for the treatment of sugarcane vinasse. For start-up, the flow rate was reduced whenever VFA levels reached critical levels in the methanogenic reactor. After acclimation, the system was operated under a continuous flow. Separation of the stages was observed during the entire period of operation. VFA, COD and DOC levels of raw effluent, acidified effluent and permeate averaged 2141, 3525 and 61 mg VFA L(-1) (as acetic acid), 15727, 11512 and 488 mg COD L(-1), and, 3544, 3533 and 178 mg DOC L(-1), respectively. Overall COD and DOC removal efficiencies of 96.9±0.7% and 95.0±1.1%, respectively, were reached. Methane content of the biogas from the acidogenic and methanogenic reactors ranged 0.1-4.6% and 60.1-70.1%, respectively. Removable fouling strongly affected filtration performance and cake layer formation accounted for most of filtration resistance. Membrane resistance was related to presence of protein-like substances and carbohydrates.

Potentials of anaerobic membrane bioreactors to overcome treatment limitations induced by industrial wastewaters

This review presents a comprehensive summary on applications of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology for industrial wastewaters in view of different aspects including treatability and filterability. AnMBRs present an attractive option for the treatment of industrial wastewaters at extreme conditions, such as high salinity, high temperature, high suspended solids concentrations, and toxicity that hamper granulation and retention of biomass or reduce the biological activity. So far, most of the research has been conducted at laboratory scale; however, also a number of full-scale AnMBR systems is currently being operated worldwide. Membrane fouling, a multivariable process, is still a research quest that requires further investigation. In fact, membrane fouling and flux decline present the most important reasons that hamper the wide-spread application of full-scale reactors. This paper addresses a detailed assessment and discussion on treatability and filterability of industrial wastewaters in both lab- and full-scale AnMBR applications, the encountered problems and future opportunities.

Performance evaluation of a pilot-scale anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating ethanol thin stillage

The ethanol industry has grown rapidly during the past ten years, mainly due to increasing oil prices. However, efficient and cost-effective solutions for treating thin stillage wastewater have still to be developed. The anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology combines classical anaerobic treatment in a completely-stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with membrane separation. The combination of these two technologies can achieve a superior effluent quality and also increase biogas production compared to conventional anaerobic solutions. A pilot-scale AnMBR treating thin stillage achieved very high treatment efficiencies in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids (TSS) removal (>98%). An average permeate flux of 4.3 L/m2 x h was achieved at relatively low transmembrane pressure (TMP) values (0.1-0.2 bars) with flat-sheet membranes. Experience gained during the pilot-scale studies provides valuable information for scaling up of AnMBRs treating complex and high-strength wastewaters.

Analysis of fouling mechanisms in anaerobic membrane bioreactors

In this paper, we investigate the fouling mechanisms responsible for MF and UF membrane flux decline in Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors (AnMBR). We have used the fouling mechanism models proposed by Hermia (1982), namely pore constriction, cake formation, complete blocking and intermediate blocking. Based on an optimization approach and using experimental data extracted from the literature, we propose a systematic procedure for identifying the most likely fouling mechanism in play. Short-term as well as long-term experiments are considered and discussed. It was found that short-term experiments are usually characterized by two fouling phases during which the same fouling mechanism or two different mechanisms affect the process. In contrast, in long-term experiments involving cleaning cycles, membrane fouling appears to be better ascribed to one phase only. The impact of abiotic parameters on membrane fouling mechanisms is reviewed and discussed in the light of these results. Finally, it is shown that the mechanism most responsible for membrane fouling in an AnMBR is cake formation. This main result will be useful for the future development of simple integrated models for optimization and control.

Experimental study of the anaerobic urban wastewater treatment in a submerged hollow-fibre membrane bioreactor at pilot scale

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of several operational variables on both biological and separation process performance in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor pilot plant that treats urban wastewater. The pilot plant is equipped with two industrial hollow-fibre ultrafiltration membrane modules (PURON® Koch Membrane Systems, 30 m² of filtration surface each). It was operated under mesophilic conditions (at 33 °C), 70 days of SRT, and variable HRT ranging from 20 to 6h. The effects of the influent COD/SO₄-S ratio (ranging from 2 to 12) and the MLTS concentration (ranging from 6 to 22 g L⁻¹) were also analysed. The main performance results were about 87% of COD removal, effluent VFA below 20 mg L⁻¹ and biogas methane concentrations over 55% v/v. Methane yield was strongly affected by the influent COD/SO₄-S ratio. No irreversible fouling problems were detected, even for MLTS concentrations above 22 g L⁻¹.

Performance comparison of mesophilic and thermophilic aerobic sidestream membrane bioreactors treating high strength wastewater

This study compares membrane fouling and removal efficiencies of organic and nitrogen in thermophilic (47 and 60°C) and mesophilic (30°C) aerobic sidestream airlift membrane bioreactors (SA-MBRs). These reactors were fed with high strength molasses-based synthetic wastewater at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 24.75 kg COD/m(3)d. Removal efficiencies of COD, NH(4)(+) and TKN were compared. The sidestream filtration was conducted with microfilter and ultrafilter. SA-MBRs with microfilter were operated in continuous and intermittent operation modes, while with the ultrafilter only continuous operation mode was employed. The excessive membrane fouling observed in thermophilic SA-MBRs with microfilter under continuous filtration mode, could be significantly reduced by the application of cake layer pre-coating or replacing microfilter with ultrafilter. This membrane fouling under the thermophilic condition could be linked to higher protein generation within the reactors. Soluble COD removal efficiencies were higher in thermophilic conditions while the sludge yields were significantly low in thermophilic SA-MBRs.