The propensity for membrane fouling is assessed by monitoring the pressure drop across the membranes, known as transmembrane pressure (TMP), and the recovery rate. High TMP values and a low recovery rate indicate that the membranes are dirty and need cleaning.

In an MBR system, no solids can pass through the membrane and hence the SRT is defined only by wasted solids. The SRT can be controlled by periodically discharge some of the solids (sludge) from the process.

Anoxic processes are those in which nitrate (NO₃⁻) is biologically converted into nitrogen gas in the absence of oxygen (i.e., denitrification).

Facultative processes are biological treatment processes where organisms can operate in the presence or absence of molecular oxygen.

As a wastewater treatment technology, MBR (Membrane Bio Reactor) is considered superior to conventional activated sludge processes (CAS), where a membrane replaces the secondary clarifier to separate the effluent from the activated sludge. The main advantages of MBR technology over conventional activated sludge processes are:

1.Smaller aeration tank and space requirements: Due to higher suspended solids concentrations and greater volumetric loading rates.

2.Lower sludge production.

3.Improved effluent quality: Due to membrane filtration.

There are mainly two sources of wastewater:

Domestic and non-domestic sewage.

Domestic sewage includes all wastewater generated from residential communities, public restrooms, hotels, condominiums, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other health centers. Non-domestic sewage involves industrial wastewater, stormwater, surface runoff, pool water, automotive garages, and cleaning centers.

Suspended-growth processes
Attached-growth processes
Combined processes
Lagoon processes

Removal of dissolved and suspended materials remaining after normal biological treatment when required for various reuse applications.

 Human health protection
Pathogens
Chemicals
Environmental Protection
BOD and COD
Nutrients (e.g., N and P)
Metals
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PPCP)

Recover useful products
Water (grey water, aquifer recharge, potable water)
Treatment chemicals (e.g., lime)
Energy (e.g., methane and hydrogen)
Fertilizer

Typically, anaerobic digestion (methanogenic treatment) is being implemented for sludge treatment. This can be performed under two different temperature conditions:

Mesophilic (about 35°C)

Thermophilic (50-60°C)

It is critical to control the pH between 6.5 to 7.5 (for methanogens). The purpose of sludge treatment is to reduce the volume of waste activated sludge (WAS) for disposed. The process can generate both desirable gases (e.g., CH4) and undesirable gases (e.g., H2S).

Advanced primary treatment refers to the enhanced removal of suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater, typically achieved through the addition of chemicals and/or chemical filtration.

BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand): BOD is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose the organic material in a given water sample at a specified temperature over a certain period of time.

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): COD is a measure of the oxygen required to oxidize both soluble and particulate organic matter in water using a strong oxidizing agent.

Biological wastewater treatment involves the removal of dissolved and particulate Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and the stabilization of organic matter present in the water using various microorganisms. These microorganisms are responsible for oxidizing dissolved and particulate carbonaceous organic matter into mineral constituents of CO₂ and H₂O, as well as additional biomass.

v1 (material orgânico) + v2O2 + v3NH3 + v4PO43- → v5 (novas células) + v6CO2 + v7H2O

Where vi= the stochiometric coefficient

v1 (organic material) + v2O2 + v3NH3 + v4PO43- → v5 (new cells) + v6CO2 + v7H2O

vi = stoichiometric coefficient.

Nitrification: A two-step biological process by which ammonia (NH₄⁺) is first converted into nitrite (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrate (NO₃⁻).

Denitrification: The biological process by which nitrate (NO₃⁻) is converted into nitrogen gas (N₂) and other final gaseous products.

Preliminary treatment involves the removal of constituents from wastewater, such as rags, sticks, floatables, sand, and grease, that can cause maintenance or operational problems in treatment processes and auxiliary systems.

Primary treatment involves the removal of a portion of the suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater.

Secondary treatment with nutrients refers to the removal of biodegradable organics, suspended solids, and nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or both nitrogen and phosphorus) from wastewater.

Secondary treatment involves the removal of biodegradable organic matter (both in solution and suspension) and suspended solids. Disinfection is also typically included in the definition of conventional secondary treatment.

SRT is the average time that activated sludge solids remain in the system. SRT is an important design and operational parameter for activated sludge processes.

Stabilization is the biological process by which organic matter in the sludge produced from primary sedimentation and biological treatment of wastewater is stabilized, typically by conversion into gases and cellular tissue. Depending on whether this stabilization occurs under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, the process is known as aerobic digestion or anaerobic digestion.

Tertiary treatment involves the removal of residual suspended solids (after secondary treatment), usually through granular filtration or microscreens. Disinfection is often part of tertiary treatment, and nutrient removal is frequently included in this definition.

In the MBR context, based on the definition, no fouling is observed below the critical flow, while fouling occurs above the critical flow.

In suspended growth processes, microorganisms are kept in suspension within the liquid, while in attached growth processes (i.e., fixed film processes), microorganisms are attached to some inert medium (media), such as rocks, slag, or specific ceramic or plastic materials.

There are two (2) main reasons for aeration:

1) Provide dissolved oxygen (DO) to maintain a viable population of microorganisms for biological treatment.

2) Keep the suspended solids (SS) in suspension.

In the context of biological treatment, the substrate refers to the organic matter (e.g., carbonaceous organic matter) or nutrients that are converted during biological treatment or that may be limiting the biological treatment process.

The selection of pre- and/or post-treatment technologies depends on the quality of the feed water, discharge requirements, and application. Typically, screening is required before the MBR to protect the membrane surface from potential damage caused by hair clumps or debris.

The composition of wastewater is a function of its source. Domestic sewage/municipal wastewater is typically comprised of pathogenic microorganisms, biodegradable organics, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous), suspended solids, and may contain toxic compounds that may be carcinogenic. Industrial wastewater usually contains higher organic concentrations (e.g., BOD, COD, TOC, etc), heavy metals, and suspended solids.

COD values are always higher than BOD values, as they capture biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances, while BOD involves only biodegradable substances.

The propensity for membrane fouling is assessed by monitoring the pressure drop across the membranes, known as transmembrane pressure (TMP), and the recovery rate. High TMP values and a low recovery rate indicate that the membranes are dirty and need cleaning.

In an MBR system, no solids can pass through the membrane and hence the SRT is defined only by wasted solids. The SRT can be controlled by periodically discharge some of the solids (sludge) from the process.

Anoxic processes are those in which nitrate (NO₃⁻) is biologically converted into nitrogen gas in the absence of oxygen (i.e., denitrification).

Facultative processes are biological treatment processes where organisms can operate in the presence or absence of molecular oxygen.

What are the advantages of MBR compared to conventional activated sludge processes (CAS)?

As a wastewater treatment technology, MBR (Membrane Bio Reactor) is considered superior to conventional activated sludge processes (CAS), where a membrane replaces the secondary clarifier to separate the effluent from the activated sludge. The main advantages of MBR technology over conventional activated sludge processes are:

1.Smaller aeration tank and space requirements: Due to higher suspended solids concentrations and greater volumetric loading rates.

2.Lower sludge production.

3.Improved effluent quality: Due to membrane filtration.

There are mainly two sources of wastewater:

Domestic and non-domestic sewage.

Domestic sewage includes all wastewater generated from residential communities, public restrooms, hotels, condominiums, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other health centers. Non-domestic sewage involves industrial wastewater, stormwater, surface runoff, pool water, automotive garages, and cleaning centers.

Suspended-growth processes
Attached-growth processes
Combined processes
Lagoon processes

Removal of dissolved and suspended materials remaining after normal biological treatment when required for various reuse applications.

Human health protection
Pathogens
Chemicals
Environmental Protection
BOD and COD
Nutrients (e.g., N and P)
Metals
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PPCP)

Recover useful products
Water (grey water, aquifer recharge, potable water)
Treatment chemicals (e.g., lime)
Energy (e.g., methane and hydrogen)
Fertilizer

Typically, anaerobic digestion (methanogenic treatment) is being implemented for sludge treatment. This can be performed under two different temperature conditions:

Mesophilic (about 35°C)

Thermophilic (50-60°C)

It is critical to control the pH between 6.5 to 7.5 (for methanogens). The purpose of sludge treatment is to reduce the volume of waste activated sludge (WAS) for disposed. The process can generate both desirable gases (e.g., CH4) and undesirable gases (e.g., H2S).

Advanced primary treatment refers to the enhanced removal of suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater, typically achieved through the addition of chemicals and/or chemical filtration.

BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand): BOD is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose the organic material in a given water sample at a specified temperature over a certain period of time.

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): COD is a measure of the oxygen required to oxidize both soluble and particulate organic matter in water using a strong oxidizing agent.

Biological wastewater treatment involves the removal of dissolved and particulate Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and the stabilization of organic matter present in the water using various microorganisms. These microorganisms are responsible for oxidizing dissolved and particulate carbonaceous organic matter into mineral constituents of CO₂ and H₂O, as well as additional biomass.

v1 (material orgânico) + v2O2 + v3NH3 + v4PO43- → v5 (novas células) + v6CO2 + v7H2O

Where vi= the stochiometric coefficient

v1 (organic material) + v2O2 + v3NH3 + v4PO43- → v5 (new cells) + v6CO2 + v7H2O

vi = stoichiometric coefficient.

Nitrification: A two-step biological process by which ammonia (NH₄⁺) is first converted into nitrite (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrate (NO₃⁻).

Denitrification: The biological process by which nitrate (NO₃⁻) is converted into nitrogen gas (N₂) and other final gaseous products.

Preliminary treatment involves the removal of constituents from wastewater, such as rags, sticks, floatables, sand, and grease, that can cause maintenance or operational problems in treatment processes and auxiliary systems.

Primary treatment involves the removal of a portion of the suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater.

Secondary treatment with nutrients refers to the removal of biodegradable organics, suspended solids, and nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or both nitrogen and phosphorus) from wastewater.

Secondary treatment involves the removal of biodegradable organic matter (both in solution and suspension) and suspended solids. Disinfection is also typically included in the definition of conventional secondary treatment.

SRT is the average time that activated sludge solids remain in the system. SRT is an important design and operational parameter for activated sludge processes.

Stabilization is the biological process by which organic matter in the sludge produced from primary sedimentation and biological treatment of wastewater is stabilized, typically by conversion into gases and cellular tissue. Depending on whether this stabilization occurs under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, the process is known as aerobic digestion or anaerobic digestion.

Tertiary treatment involves the removal of residual suspended solids (after secondary treatment), usually through granular filtration or microscreens. Disinfection is often part of tertiary treatment, and nutrient removal is frequently included in this definition.

In the MBR context, based on the definition, no fouling is observed below the critical flow, while fouling occurs above the critical flow.

In suspended growth processes, microorganisms are kept in suspension within the liquid, while in attached growth processes (i.e., fixed film processes), microorganisms are attached to some inert medium (media), such as rocks, slag, or specific ceramic or plastic materials.

There are two (2) main reasons for aeration:

1) Provide dissolved oxygen (DO) to maintain a viable population of microorganisms for biological treatment.

2) Keep the suspended solids (SS) in suspension.

In the context of biological treatment, the substrate refers to the organic matter (e.g., carbonaceous organic matter) or nutrients that are converted during biological treatment or that may be limiting the biological treatment process.

The selection of pre- and/or post-treatment technologies depends on the quality of the feed water, discharge requirements, and application. Typically, screening is required before the MBR to protect the membrane surface from potential damage caused by hair clumps or debris.

The composition of wastewater is a function of its source. Domestic sewage/municipal wastewater is typically comprised of pathogenic microorganisms, biodegradable organics, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous), suspended solids, and may contain toxic compounds that may be carcinogenic. Industrial wastewater usually contains higher organic concentrations (e.g., BOD, COD, TOC, etc), heavy metals, and suspended solids.

COD values are always higher than BOD values, as they capture biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances, while BOD involves only biodegradable substances.

The propensity for membrane fouling is assessed by monitoring the pressure drop across the membranes, known as transmembrane pressure (TMP), and the recovery rate. High TMP values and a low recovery rate indicate that the membranes are dirty and need cleaning.

In an MBR system, no solids can pass through the membrane and hence the SRT is defined only by wasted solids. The SRT can be controlled by periodically discharge some of the solids (sludge) from the process.

Anoxic processes are those in which nitrate (NO₃⁻) is biologically converted into nitrogen gas in the absence of oxygen (i.e., denitrification).

Facultative processes are biological treatment processes where organisms can operate in the presence or absence of molecular oxygen.

What are the advantages of MBR compared to conventional activated sludge processes (CAS)?

As a wastewater treatment technology, MBR (Membrane Bio Reactor) is considered superior to conventional activated sludge processes (CAS), where a membrane replaces the secondary clarifier to separate the effluent from the activated sludge. The main advantages of MBR technology over conventional activated sludge processes are:

1.Smaller aeration tank and space requirements: Due to higher suspended solids concentrations and greater volumetric loading rates.

2.Lower sludge production.

3.Improved effluent quality: Due to membrane filtration.

There are mainly two sources of wastewater:

Domestic and non-domestic sewage.

Domestic sewage includes all wastewater generated from residential communities, public restrooms, hotels, condominiums, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other health centers. Non-domestic sewage involves industrial wastewater, stormwater, surface runoff, pool water, automotive garages, and cleaning centers.

Suspended-growth processes
Attached-growth processes
Combined processes
Lagoon processes

Typically, anaerobic digestion (methanogenic treatment) is being implemented for sludge treatment. This can be performed under two different temperature conditions:

Mesophilic (about 35°C)

Thermophilic (50-60°C)

It is critical to control the pH between 6.5 to 7.5 (for methanogens). The purpose of sludge treatment is to reduce the volume of waste activated sludge (WAS) for disposed. The process can generate both desirable gases (e.g., CH4) and undesirable gases (e.g., H2S).

Advanced primary treatment refers to the enhanced removal of suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater, typically achieved through the addition of chemicals and/or chemical filtration.

Advanced treatment refers to the removal of dissolved and suspended materials that remain after normal biological treatment, when necessary for various reuse applications.

BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand): BOD is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose the organic material in a given water sample at a specified temperature over a certain period of time.

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): COD is a measure of the oxygen required to oxidize both soluble and particulate organic matter in water using a strong oxidizing agent.

Biological wastewater treatment involves the removal of dissolved and particulate Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and the stabilization of organic matter present in the water using various microorganisms. These microorganisms are responsible for oxidizing dissolved and particulate carbonaceous organic matter into mineral constituents of CO₂ and H₂O, as well as additional biomass.

v1 (material orgânico) + v2O2 + v3NH3 + v4PO43- → v5 (novas células) + v6CO2 + v7H2O

Where vi= the stochiometric coefficient

v1 (organic material) + v2O2 + v3NH3 + v4PO43- → v5 (new cells) + v6CO2 + v7H2O

vi = stoichiometric coefficient.

Nitrification: A two-step biological process by which ammonia (NH₄⁺) is first converted into nitrite (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrate (NO₃⁻).

Denitrification: The biological process by which nitrate (NO₃⁻) is converted into nitrogen gas (N₂) and other final gaseous products.

Preliminary treatment involves the removal of constituents from wastewater, such as rags, sticks, floatables, sand, and grease, that can cause maintenance or operational problems in treatment processes and auxiliary systems.

Primary treatment involves the removal of a portion of the suspended solids and organic matter from wastewater.

Secondary treatment with nutrients refers to the removal of biodegradable organics, suspended solids, and nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or both nitrogen and phosphorus) from wastewater.

Secondary treatment involves the removal of biodegradable organic matter (both in solution and suspension) and suspended solids. Disinfection is also typically included in the definition of conventional secondary treatment.

SRT is the average time that activated sludge solids remain in the system. SRT is an important design and operational parameter for activated sludge processes.

Stabilization is the biological process by which organic matter in the sludge produced from primary sedimentation and biological treatment of wastewater is stabilized, typically by conversion into gases and cellular tissue. Depending on whether this stabilization occurs under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, the process is known as aerobic digestion or anaerobic digestion.

Tertiary treatment involves the removal of residual suspended solids (after secondary treatment), usually through granular filtration or microscreens. Disinfection is often part of tertiary treatment, and nutrient removal is frequently included in this definition.

In the MBR context, based on the definition, no fouling is observed below the critical flow, while fouling occurs above the critical flow.

In suspended growth processes, microorganisms are kept in suspension within the liquid, while in attached growth processes (i.e., fixed film processes), microorganisms are attached to some inert medium (media), such as rocks, slag, or specific ceramic or plastic materials.

There are two (2) main reasons for aeration:

1) Provide dissolved oxygen (DO) to maintain a viable population of microorganisms for biological treatment.

2) Keep the suspended solids (SS) in suspension.

In the context of biological treatment, the substrate refers to the organic matter (e.g., carbonaceous organic matter) or nutrients that are converted during biological treatment or that may be limiting the biological treatment process.

The selection of pre- and/or post-treatment technologies depends on the quality of the feed water, discharge requirements, and application. Typically, screening is required before the MBR to protect the membrane surface from potential damage caused by hair clumps or debris.

The composition of wastewater is a function of its source. Domestic sewage/municipal wastewater is typically comprised of pathogenic microorganisms, biodegradable organics, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous), suspended solids, and may contain toxic compounds that may be carcinogenic. Industrial wastewater usually contains higher organic concentrations (e.g., BOD, COD, TOC, etc), heavy metals, and suspended solids.

We should treat wastewater to:

Eliminate pathogens

Remove Chemicals

Protect the environment

Eliminate BOD and COD

Remove nutrients (e.g., N and P)

Remove heavy metals

Eliminate endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PPCPs)

Recover useful products:

-Water (e.g., graywater, aquifer recharge, potable water)

-Treatment chemicals (e.g., lime)

-Energy (e.g., methane and hydrogen)

-Fertilizer

COD values are always higher than BOD values, as they capture biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances, while BOD involves only biodegradable substances.