2. Integration of MBR with other technologies
Integration of MBR with other technologies can be considered as a safer ‘multiple barrier approach’ for wastewater treatment. The purposes of the integrated MBR are to improve qualities of permeates, mitigate membrane fouling and enhance the stability of the treatment process. Table 2.1 shows the advantages and disadvantages of various integrated MBR in wastewater treatment technology.
Table 2.1.
Advantages and disadvantages of various integrated MBR in wastewater treatment technology.
Integrated technology of MBR Advantages Disadvantages and limitations
Advanced oxidation processes/electrocoagulation-MBR Effective in removal of recalcitrant contaminants (pharmaceuticals wastewater)
Effective in removing colors
Reduces the production of excess sludge
Easy to operate
Reduce membrane fouling High capital and operational costs
Not effective in treatment of wastewater with high TSS
FO-MBR Produce good effluent quality
Phosphorus recovery
Low energy consumption as compared to conventional MBR
Low fouling tendency compared to RO
Effective in removal of trace organic contaminants
Fouling is largely reversible
Effective in treatment of wastewater with high TSS as compared to RO Uncertainty of stability of membrane
Increasing salinity/salt accumulation might decrease the microbial kinetics and water flux
RO-MBR Low fouling tendency
Cost of RO membrane is cheaper than FO membrane
Low energy consumption as compared to conventional MBR Not effective in treatment of high salinity wastewater compared to FO
Membrane distillation Enhances biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds
Low sludge yield
Higher effluent quality
Excellent process stability
Cost effective compared to RO process
Smaller footprint Low removal of COD
Biofilm/bio-entrapped MBR Reduces the concentration of suspended solids
Reduce membrane fouling
Improve nitrification and denitrification processes Membrane fouling might be severe at the later stage of treatment
Granular MBR Improve nitrification and denitrification processes
High shock resistance capacity
Reduce membrane fouling
Smaller footprint Membrane fouling might be severe at the later stage of treatment
Long start-up period of granule formation