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Evaluation of potential integration of entrapped mixed microbial cell and membrane bioreactor processes for biological wastewater treatment/reuse

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Abstract

The challenge of biological wastewater treatment process is the design and operation of effective retention of mixed microbial cells within the reactor. Entrapped mixed microbial cell (EMMC) technology is designed to entrap the mixed microbial cells in polymeric carriers; membrane bioreactor (MBR) process utilizes membrane sheets/fibers to effectively retain the biomass in the reactor. These two biotechnologies are considered potential alternatives for conventional biological treatment/reuse because of their capability of retaining high concentration of biomass in the reactor, or in other words increasing the solid retention time (SRT). The simultaneous removal of organics and nitrogen were investigated using a modified EMMC system design. The modified EMMC system demonstrated higher organic and nitrogen removal performance due to high SRT. Compared to single-stage MBR process operated at similar conditions, the modified EMMC system was able to achieve slightly lower organic removal, comparable nitrification, and higher total nitrogen removal. One limitation in applying an EMMC only treatment process regime for potential reuse of treated wastewater is that such an operation requires the removal of pathogens and large particles if disinfection and solid/liquid separation were not followed. The major challenge of MBR process to overcome is membrane fouling, and the high energy consumption associated with fouling control. The intrinsic features of EMMC process including high SRT, low, and stabilized effluent suspended biomass concentration may significantly reduce the chance and extent of membrane fouling; while the membrane filtration can further polish the effluent quality from EMMC process. Therefore, integrating MBR and EMMC is strongly recommended because it may be a “break-through” for solving the membrane fouling problem and in improving effluent quality for potential reuse.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this research was provided by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resource, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; and National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Ms. Jia Zhu is now associated with GMP International Inc. as an environmental engineer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA

    Jia Zhu & P. Y. Yang

  2. Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    J. C. M. Kao

  3. Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

    C. F. Lin

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  1. Jia Zhu
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  2. C. F. Lin
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  3. J. C. M. Kao
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  4. P. Y. Yang
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Correspondence to P. Y. Yang.

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Zhu, J., Lin, C.F., Kao, J.C.M. et al. Evaluation of potential integration of entrapped mixed microbial cell and membrane bioreactor processes for biological wastewater treatment/reuse. Clean Techn Environ Policy 13, 153–160 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-009-0274-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-009-0274-8

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