Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a promising technology in wastewater treatment and reuse. However a major barrier exists for its wider application, ie, concentration polarization and membrane fouling. We have proposed using gas injection into the feed stream to generate a gas-liquid two-phase crossflow, especially slug bubbling to enhance membrane separation as well as release membrane fouling, a method which proves to be effective, simple and of low-cost. Our current research is focused on an assessment with different membrane modules, and that includes a study of the interaction between soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and bubble properties, and of applications to various wastewater treatment processes.

Performing Organization Institute of Urban Environment, CAS
Sponsor Chinese Academy of Sciences
Start Date 2007.1
End Date 2009.12