Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Limitations imposed by conventional fine bubble diffusers on the design of a high-loaded membrane bioreactor (HL-MBR)

  • Appropriate Technologies to Combat Water Pollution
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The operation of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) at higher than usual mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentrations may enhance the loading rate treatment capacity while minimizing even further the system’s footprint. This requires operating the MBR at the highest possible MLSS concentration and biomass activity (e.g., at high loading rates and low solid retention times (SRTs)). Both a negative effect of the MLSS concentrations and a positive effect of the SRT on the oxygen transfer have been reported when using conventional fine bubble diffusers. However, most of the evaluations have been carried out either at extremely high SRTs or at low MLSS concentrations eventually underestimating the effects of the MLSS concentration on the oxygen transfer. This research evaluated the current limitations imposed by fine bubble diffusers in the context of the high-loaded MBR (HL-MBR) (i.e., high MLSS and short SRT—the latter emulated by concentrating municipal sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operated at a short SRT of approximately 5 days). The high MLSS concentrations and the short SRT of the original municipal sludge induced a large fraction of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) in the sludge, promoting a large amount of sludge flocs that eventually accumulated on the surface of the bubbles and reduced the free water content of the suspension. Moreover, the short SRTs at which the original municipal sludge was obtained eventually appear to have promoted the accumulation of surfactants in the sludge mixture. This combination exhibited a detrimental effect on the oxygen transfer. Fine bubble diffusers limit the maximum MLSS concentration for a HL-MBR at 30 g L−1; beyond that point is either not technically or not economically feasible to operate; an optimum MLSS concentration of 20 g L−1 is suggested to maximize the treatment capacity while minimizing the system’s footprint.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • APHA, AWWA, WEF (1998) Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. American Public Health Association/American Water Works Association/Water Environment Federation, Washington,D.C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barreto CM, Garcia HA, Hooijmans CM, Herrera A, Brdjanovic D (2017) Assessing the performance of an MBR operated at high biomass concentrations. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 119:528–537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.10.006

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barreto CM, Ochoa IM, Garcia HA, Hooijmans CM, Livingston D, Herrera A, Brdjanovic D (2018) Sidestream superoxygenation for wastewater treatment: oxygen transfer in clean water and mixed liquor. J Environ Manag 219:125–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.035

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benjamin MM, Lawler DF (2013) Water quality engineering: physical/chemical treatment processes. JohnWiley & Sons, Hoboken

    Google Scholar 

  • Cornel P, Wagner M, Krause S (2003) Investigation of oxygen transfer rates in full scale membrane bioreactors. Water Sci Technol 47(11):313–319

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dignac M-F, Ginestet P, Rybacki D, Bruchet A, Urbain V, Scribe P (2000) Fate of wastewater organic pollution during activated sludge treatment: nature of residual organic matter. Water Res 34(17):4185–4194. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(00)00195-0

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Durán C, Fayolle Y, Pechaud Y, Cockx A, Gillot S (2016) Impact of suspended solids on the activated sludge non-newtonian behaviour and on oxygen transfer in a bubble column. Chem Eng Sci 141:154–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2015.10.016

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Germain E, Stephenson T (2005) Biomass characteristics, aeration and oxygen transfer in membrane bioreactors: their interrelations explained by a review of aerobic biological processes. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 4(4):223–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-005-2097-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Germain E, Nelles F, Drews A, Pearce P, Kraume M, Reid E, Judd SJ, Stephenson T (2007) Biomass effects on oxygen transfer in membrane bioreactors. Water Res 41(5):1038–1044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2006.10.020

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gillot S, Héduit A (2008) Prediction of alpha factor values for fine pore aeration systems. Water Sci Technol 57(8):1265–1269. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2008.222

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Groves KP, Daigger GT, Simpkin TJ, Redmon DT, Ewing L (1992) Evaluation of oxygen transfer efficiency and alpha-factor on a variety of diffused aeration systems. Water Environment Research 64(5):691–698. https://doi.org/10.2175/WER.64.5.5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Günder B (2000) The membrane-coupled activated sludge process in municipal wastewater treatment. Technomic Publishing, Lancaster

    Google Scholar 

  • Hai FI, Yamamoto K (2011) Membrane biological reactors. In: Wilderer P (ed) Treatise on water science. Elsevier, Oxford, pp 571–613

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hai FI, Yamamoto K, Lee C-H (2014) Membrane biological reactors: theory, modeling, design, management and applications to wastewater reuse. IWA Publishing, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Henkel J (2010) Oxygen transfer phenomena in activated sludge. Dissertation, Technischen Universität Darmstadt

  • Henkel J, Cornel P, Wagner M (2009a) Free water content and sludge retention time: impact on oxygen transfer in activated sludge. Environmental Science & Technology 43(22):8561–8565. https://doi.org/10.1021/es901559f

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Henkel J, Lemac M, Wagner M, Cornel P (2009b) Oxygen transfer in membrane bioreactors treating synthetic greywater. Water Res 43(6):1711–1719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2009.01.011

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Henkel J, Cornel P, Wagner M (2011) Oxygen transfer in activated sludge - new insights and potentials for cost saving. Water Sci Technol 63(12):3034–3038. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2011.607

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Henze M, Van Loosdrecht MCM, Ekama GA, Brdjanovic D (2008) Biological wastewater treatment: principles, modelling and design. IWA publishing, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Iorhemen OT, Hamza RA, Tay JH (2016) Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology for wastewater treatment and reclamation: membrane fouling. Membranes 6:33. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes6020033

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Itonaga T, Kimura K, Watanabe Y (2004) Influence of suspension viscosity and colloidal particles on permeability of membrane used in membrane bioreactor (MBR). Water Sci Technol 50(12):301–309

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Judd C, Judd S (2011) The MBR book: principles and applications of membrane bioreactors for water and wastewater treatment. Elsevier, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Kappeler J, Gujer W (1992) Estimation of kinetic parameters of heterotrophic biomass under aerobic conditions and characterization of wastewater for activated sludge modelling. Water Sci Technol 25(6):125–139

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krampe J (2001) Das SBR-Membranbelebungsverfahren, Stuttgarter Berichte zur Siedlungswasserwirtschaft Band 163. Oldenbourg Verlag, München (in German)

    Google Scholar 

  • Krampe J, Krauth K (2003) Oxygen transfer into activated sludge with high MLSS concentrations. Water Sci Technol 47(11):297–303

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Livingstone D (2010) Beyond conventional mbrs. Oxygen transfer technology revolutionizing MBR applications. Paper presented at the Membrane Technology conference & exposition

  • Mannina G, Cosenza A (2013) The fouling phenomenon in membrane bioreactors: assessment of different strategies for energy saving. J Membr Sci 444:332–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2013.05.047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammed TA, Birima AH, Noor MJMM, Muyibi SA, Idris A (2008) Evaluation of using membrane bioreactor for treating municipal wastewater at different operating conditions. Desalination 221(1):502–510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2007.02.058

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muller EB, Stouthamer AH, Van Verseveld HW, Eikelboom DH (1995) Aerobic domestic waste water treatment in a pilot plant with complete sludge retention by cross-flow filtration. Water Res 29(4):1179–1189. https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(94)00267-B

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mutamim NSA, Noor ZZ, Hassan MAA, Yuniarto A, Olsson G (2013) Membrane bioreactor: applications and limitations in treating high strength industrial wastewater. Chem Eng J 225:109–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2013.02.131

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pollice A, Laera G, Saturno D, Giordano C (2008) Effects of sludge retention time on the performance of a membrane bioreactor treating municipal sewage. J Membr Sci 317(1):65–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2007.08.051

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quéméneur M, Marty Y (1994) Fatty acids and sterols in domestic wastewaters. Water Res 28(5):1217–1226. https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(94)90210-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raszka A, Chorvatova M, Wanner J (2006) The role and significance of extracellular polymers in activated sludge. Part I: literature review. Acta Hydrochim Hydrobiol 34(5):411–424. https://doi.org/10.1002/aheh.200500640

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rieth MG, Chiesa SC, Polta RC (1995) Effects of operational variables on the oxygen transfer performance of ceramic diffusers. Water Environment Research 67(5):781–787. https://doi.org/10.2175/106143095X131673

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez FA, Poyatos JM, Reboleiro-Rivas P, Osorio F, González-López J, Hontoria E (2011) Kinetic study and oxygen transfer efficiency evaluation using respirometric methods in a submerged membrane bioreactor using pure oxygen to supply the aerobic conditions. Bioresour Technol 102(10):6013–6018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.02.083

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez FA, Reboleiro-Rivas P, Osorio F, Martínez-Toledo MV, Hontoria E, Poyatos JM (2012) Influence of mixed liquid suspended solids and hydraulic retention time on oxygen transfer efficiency and viscosity in a submerged membrane bioreactor using pure oxygen to supply aerobic conditions. Biochem Eng J 60:135–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2011.10.016

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberger S (2003) Charakterisierung von belebtem Schlamm in Membranbelebungsreaktoren zur Abwasserreinigung. Dissertation, Technical University of Berlin (in German)

  • Rosso D, Stenstrom MK (2005) Comparative economic analysis of the impacts of mean cell retention time and denitrification on aeration systems. Water Res 39(16):3773–3780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2005.07.002

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosso D, Stenstrom MK (2006) Surfactant effects on α-factors in aeration systems. Water Res 40(7):1397–1404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2006.01.044

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosso D, Larson LE, Stenstrom MK (2007) Aeration of large-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants: state of the art. Proceedings of the 10th IWA Conference on Design, Operation and Economics of Large Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vienna

  • Rosso D, Stenstrom MK, Larson LE (2008) Aeration of large-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants: state of the art. Water Sci Technol 57(7):973–978. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2008.218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sato T, Ishii Y (1991) Effects of activated sludge properties on water flux of ultrafiltration membrane used for human excrement treatment. Water Sci Technol 23:1601–1608

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Struijs J, Stoltenkamp J, Van de Meent D (1991) A spreadsheet-based box model to predict the fate of xenobiotics in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Water Res 25(7):891–900. https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(91)90170-U

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – USEPA (1989) Fine pore (fine bubble) aeration systems, EPA/625/1-89/023. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati

    Google Scholar 

  • WEF and ASCE (2001) Aeration: a wastewater treatment process. Water Environment Federation, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang X, Yue X, Liu Z, Li Q, Hua X (2015) Impacts of sludge retention time on sludge characteristics and membrane fouling in a submerged anaerobic-oxic membrane bioreactor. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 99(11):4893–4903. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-015-6383-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

The authors would like to thank BlueInGreen LLC, and OVIVO Water—MBR systems for their financial support for conducting this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Technology, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611AX, Delft, The Netherlands

    Sang Yeob Kim, Hector A. Garcia, Carlos M. Lopez-Vazquez & Damir Brdjanovic

  2. Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629, HZ, Delft, The Netherlands

    Sang Yeob Kim & Damir Brdjanovic

  3. BlueInGreen, LLC, 700 W. Research Center Blvd. Suite 1208, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA

    Chris Milligan

  4. OVIVO Water - MBR Systems, 2404 Rutland Dr., Austin, TX, 78758, USA

    Dennis Livingston

  5. HAC Group, LLC, 8111 Hicckman Mills Dr., Kansas City, MO, 64132, USA

    Aridai Herrera

  6. Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Marin Matosic & Josip Curko

Authors
  1. Sang Yeob Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hector A. Garcia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Carlos M. Lopez-Vazquez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Chris Milligan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Dennis Livingston
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Aridai Herrera
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Marin Matosic
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Josip Curko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Damir Brdjanovic
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hector A. Garcia.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Angeles Blanco

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kim, S.Y., Garcia, H.A., Lopez-Vazquez, C.M. et al. Limitations imposed by conventional fine bubble diffusers on the design of a high-loaded membrane bioreactor (HL-MBR). Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 34285–34300 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04369-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04369-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation