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Olives P, Sanchez L, Lesage G, Héran M, Rodriguez-Roda I, Blandin G. Impact of Integration of FO Membranes into a Granular Biomass AnMBR for Water Reuse. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:265. [PMID: 36984652 PMCID: PMC10053063 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The granular sludge based anaerobic membrane bioreactor (G-AnMBR) has gained emphasis in the last decade by combining AnMBR advantages (high quality permeate and biogas production towards energy positive treatment) and benefits of granular biomass (boosted biological activity and reduced membrane fouling). With the aim to further reduce energy costs, produce higher quality effluent for water reuse applications and improve system efficiency, a forward osmosis (FO) system was integrated into a 17 L G-AnMBR pilot. Plate and frame microfiltration modules were step by step replaced by submerged FO ones, synthetic wastewater was used as feed (chemical oxygen demand (COD) content 500 mg/L), with hydraulic retention time of 10 h and operated at 25 °C. The system was fed with granular biomass and after the acclimation period, operated neither with gas sparging nor relaxation at around 5 L.m-2.h-1 permeation flux during at least 10 days for each tested configuration. Process stability, impact of salinity on biomass, the produced water quality and organic matter removal efficiency were assessed and compared for the system working with 100% microfiltration (MF), 70% MF/30% FO, 50% MF/50% FO and 10% MF/90% FO, respectively. Increasing the FO share in the reactor led to salinity increase and to enhanced fouling propensity probably due to salinity shock on the active biomass, releasing extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the mixed liquor. However, above 90% COD degradation was observed for all configurations with a remaining COD content below 50 mg/L and below the detection limit for MF and FO permeates, respectively. FO membranes also proved to be less prone to fouling in comparison with MF ones. Complete salt mass balance demonstrated that major salinity increase in the reactor was due to reverse salt passage from the draw solution but also that salts from the feed solution could migrate to the draw solution. While FO membranes allow for full rejection and very high permeate purity, operation of G-AnMBR with FO membranes only is not recommended since MF presence acts as a purge and allows for reactor salinity stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Olives
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spainmailto:
| | - Lucie Sanchez
- Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Geoffroy Lesage
- Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Marc Héran
- Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Ignasi Rodriguez-Roda
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spainmailto:
| | - Gaetan Blandin
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spainmailto:
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Larronde-Larretche M, Jin X. The Influence of Forward Osmosis Module Configuration on Nutrients Removal and Microalgae Harvesting in Osmotic Photobioreactor. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:892. [PMID: 36135910 PMCID: PMC9503523 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12090892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae have attracted great interest recently due to their potential for nutrients removal from wastewater, renewable biodiesel production and bioactive compounds extraction. However, one major challenge in microalgal bioremediation and the algal biofuel process is the high energy cost of separating microalgae from water. Our previous studies demonstrated that forward osmosis (FO) is a promising technology for microalgae harvesting and dewatering due to its low energy consumption and easy fouling control. In the present study, two FO module configurations (side-stream and submerged) were integrated with microalgae (C. vulgaris) photobioreactor (PBR) in order to evaluate the system performance, including nutrients removal, algae harvesting efficiency and membrane fouling. After 7 days of operation, both systems showed effective nutrients removal. A total of 92.9%, 100% and 98.7% of PO4-P, NH3-N and TN were removed in the PBR integrated with the submerged FO module, and 82%, 96% and 94.8% of PO4-P, NH3-N and TN were removed in the PBR integrated with the side-stream FO module. The better nutrients removal efficiency is attributed to the greater algae biomass in the submerged FO-PBR where in situ biomass dewatering was conducted. The side-stream FO module showed more severe permeate flux loss and biomass loss (less dewatering efficiency) due to algae deposition onto the membrane. This is likely caused by the higher initial water flux associated with the side-stream FO configuration, resulting in more foulants being transported to the membrane surface. However, the side-stream FO module showed better fouling mitigation by simple hydraulic flushing than the submerged FO module, which is not convenient for conducting cleaning without interrupting the PBR operation. Taken together, our results suggest that side-stream FO configuration may provide a viable way to integrate with PBR for a microalgae-based treatment. The present work provides novel insights into the efficient operation of a FO-PBR for more sustainable wastewater treatment and effective microalgae harvesting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xue Jin
- School of Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering & Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Blandin G, Ferrari F, Lesage G, Le-Clech P, Héran M, Martinez-Lladó X. Forward Osmosis as Concentration Process: Review of Opportunities and Challenges. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:membranes10100284. [PMID: 33066490 PMCID: PMC7602145 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the past few years, osmotic membrane systems, such as forward osmosis (FO), have gained popularity as "soft" concentration processes. FO has unique properties by combining high rejection rate and low fouling propensity and can be operated without significant pressure or temperature gradient, and therefore can be considered as a potential candidate for a broad range of concentration applications where current technologies still suffer from critical limitations. This review extensively compiles and critically assesses recent considerations of FO as a concentration process for applications, including food and beverages, organics value added compounds, water reuse and nutrients recovery, treatment of waste streams and brine management. Specific requirements for the concentration process regarding the evaluation of concentration factor, modules and design and process operation, draw selection and fouling aspects are also described. Encouraging potential is demonstrated to concentrate streams more than 20-fold with high rejection rate of most compounds and preservation of added value products. For applications dealing with highly concentrated or complex streams, FO still features lower propensity to fouling compared to other membranes technologies along with good versatility and robustness. However, further assessments on lab and pilot scales are expected to better define the achievable concentration factor, rejection and effective concentration of valuable compounds and to clearly demonstrate process limitations (such as fouling or clogging) when reaching high concentration rate. Another important consideration is the draw solution selection and its recovery that should be in line with application needs (i.e., food compatible draw for food and beverage applications, high osmotic pressure for brine management, etc.) and be economically competitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetan Blandin
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Water, Air and Soil Unit, 08242 Manresa, Spain;
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (G.L.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Federico Ferrari
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Geoffroy Lesage
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (G.L.); (M.H.)
| | - Pierre Le-Clech
- UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Marc Héran
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (G.L.); (M.H.)
| | - Xavier Martinez-Lladó
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Water, Air and Soil Unit, 08242 Manresa, Spain;
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Low KS, Wang YN, Ng DYF, Goh K, Li Y, Wang R. Understanding the effect of transverse vibration on hollow fiber membranes for submerged forward osmosis processes. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Huy Tran V, Lim S, Jun Park M, Suk Han D, Phuntsho S, Park H, Matsuyama H, Kyong Shon H. Fouling and performance of outer selective hollow fiber membrane in osmotic membrane bioreactor: Cross flow and air scouring effects. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 295:122303. [PMID: 31675518 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed impacts of cross-flow velocity (CFV) and air scouring on the performance and membrane fouling mitigation of a side-stream module containing outer-selective hollow fiber thin film composite forward osmosis membrane in osmosis membrane bioreactor (OMBR) system for urban wastewater treatment. CFV of draw solution was optimized, followed by the impact assessment of three CFVs on feed solution (FS) stream and periodic injection of air scouring into the side-stream module. Overall, the OMBR system exhibited high and stable performance with initial water flux of approximately 15 LMH, high removal efficiencies of bulk organic matter and nutrients. While FS's CFVs insignificantly affected the performance and membrane fouling, regular air scouring showed substantial impact with better performance and high efficiency in mitigating membrane fouling. These results indicated that periodic air scouring can be applied into the side-stream membrane module for efficient fouling mitigation without interruption the operation of the OMBR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Huy Tran
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia
| | - Sungil Lim
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia
| | - Myoung Jun Park
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia
| | - Dong Suk Han
- Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sherub Phuntsho
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia
| | - Hyunwoong Park
- School of Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Hideto Matsuyama
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Ho Kyong Shon
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia.
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Onyshchenko E, Blandin G, Comas J, Dvoretsky A. Influence of microalgae wastewater treatment culturing conditions on forward osmosis concentration process. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:1234-1245. [PMID: 30414024 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3607-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Forward osmosis is envisioned as a technology for microalgae concentration but fouling propensity during dewatering is currently a limiting factor that requires better understanding. The purpose of this study is to define the impact of microalgae culturing conditions on the downstream forward osmosis (FO) separation process-water recovery and microalgae harvesting. Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated in an outdoor lab-scale reactor fed with synthetic wastewater mimicking primary settled municipal influent under changing environmental conditions (temperature, solar radiation, nutrient balance) with varying hydraulic retention time. High efficiency of nutrient removal was achieved under all tested conditions but microalgae autoflocculation and lower rate of pollutant removal were observed with batches where culturing temperature (6.5-21 °C), solar irradiation rate (181 W/m2), and nitrogen/phosphorous ratio (2.9) were below the optimal range. Regarding FO concentration, high initial water fluxes (in the range of 18.2 to 19.5 L·m2·h-1) and water extraction rate (60.1-83.9%) were observed in all subsequent FO concentration tests. Significant membrane fouling (microalgae deposition on surface) associated with poor biomass recovery from the FO cell was found to be dependent on exopolymeric substance accumulation, which was a response to non-optimal environmental culturing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Onyshchenko
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Aquaculture and Water Bioresources, Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University, Dnipro, Ukraine
| | - Gaetan Blandin
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Joaquim Comas
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Girona, Spain
| | - Anatoly Dvoretsky
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Aquaculture and Water Bioresources, Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University, Dnipro, Ukraine
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Ferrari F, Pijuan M, Rodriguez-Roda I, Blandin G. Exploring Submerged Forward Osmosis for Water Recovery and Pre-Concentration of Wastewater Before Anaerobic Digestion: A Pilot Scale Study. MEMBRANES 2019; 9:E97. [PMID: 31387333 PMCID: PMC6722522 DOI: 10.3390/membranes9080097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Applying forward osmosis directly on raw municipal wastewater is of high interest for the simultaneous production of a high quality permeate for water reuse and pre-concentrating wastewater for anaerobic digestion. This pilot scale study investigates, for the first time, the feasibility of concentrating real raw municipal wastewater using a submerged plate and frame forward osmosis module (0.34 m2) to reach 70% water recovery. Membrane performance, fouling behavior, and effective concentration of wastewater compounds were examined. Two different draw solutions (NaCl and MgCl2), operating either with constant draw concentration or in batch with draw dilution over time, were evaluated. Impact of gas sparging on fouling and external concentration polarization was also assessed. Water fluxes up to 15 L m-2 h-1 were obtained with clean water and 35 g NaCl/L as feed and draw solution, respectively. When using real wastewater, submerged forward osmosis proved to be resilient to clogging, demonstrating its suitability for application on municipal or other complex wastewater; operating with 11.7 g NaCl/L constant draw solution, water and reverse salt fluxes up to 5.1 ± 1.0 L m-2 h-1 and 4.8 ± 2.6 g m-2 h-1 were observed, respectively. Positively, total and soluble chemical oxygen demand concentration factors of 2.47 ± 0.15 and 1.86 ± 0.08, respectively, were achieved, making wastewater more suitable for anaerobic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ferrari
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit Street, 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Maite Pijuan
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit Street, 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Rodriguez-Roda
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit Street, 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- LEQUiA, Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Gaetan Blandin
- LEQUiA, Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain.
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya. Plaça de la Ciència, 2. 08242 Manresa, Spain.
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