A hybyrid submerged membrane bioreactor process for municipal wastewater treatment and reuse

A novel hybrid submerged membrane bioreactor (HSMBR) process containing both suspended growth-activated sludge and attached growth-biofilm was developed at a pilot scale for municipal wastewater treatment and reuse, by adding suspended carriers into the mixed suspension. The process provided a high degree of treatment in terms of average SS (100%), turbidity (0.59 NTU), color (30 c.u.) and organic matter (95% for COD). Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification would be obtained in a HSMBR process, enhanced total nitrogen and phosphorus removal occurred in an aerobic HSMBR system, with the average removal of NH3-N, TN and TP as 98%, 71 % and 73%, respectively. Intermittent permeation is an effective technique to control membrane fouling and to allow a stable, long term operation with no backwash and cleaning. The MBR is a best available technology for wastewater reuse providing the benefits of quality, safety and compactness.