- Novel two-stage membrane bioreactor was applied to the treatment of highly contaminated municipal solid waste leachate in long term of 500 days.
• The membrane bioreactor was operated without intentional sludge wastage resulting in development of unique environmental condition for microbial growth in the system.
• The emerging contaminants found in leachate, i.e. phenolic and phthalate groups could be highly removed (>95%) in the membrane bioreactor.
• Biodegradation was found to be the main mechanisms for the removals of emerging contaminants as there was insignificant accumulation of those compounds observed in sludge during long term operation.
• Kinetics of emerging toxic organic compounds removal via adsorption and biodegradation were revealed.