CE 521 Environmental Biotechnology

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Term Paper Abstracts (Fall 2000):

Membrane Bioreactors in Wastewater Treatment

Anand Sridhar

ABSTRACT

The relatively new technology of membrane bioreactors has been dealt with in a brief but comprehensive manner. An overview, of the ultrafiltration membrane (used in the membrane bioreactor), which includes the material of construction, important parameters governing the performance of the membranes etc., has been provided. Various studies, conducted by researchers, which support the theory behind the governing factors, with relevant data have been included in this paper. The aspect of membrane fouling has also been given due accordance. The various characteristics of the membrane bioreactor, which can be categorized into advantages and drawbacks, have been looked into. Data from various pilot – scale plants as well as large-scale industrial establishments support each characteristic. The role of membrane bioreactors in aerobic treatment as well as anaerobic treatment has outlined with a few examples. Effort has also been made to compare the activated sludge system and the membrane bioreactor to determine which treatment system is more effective.

KEYWORDS

Membrane Bioreactor, Membranes, Transmembrane Pressure, Membrane Fouling, Effluent quality, COD, Activated sludge system.