Abstract
In this work, an embedded ends-free membrane bioreactor (EEF-MBR) has been developed to overcome the fouling problem. The EEF-MBR unit has a novel configuration where a bed of granular activated carbon is placed in the bioreactor tank and fluidized by the aeration system. The performance of pilot-scale EEF-MBR was assessed based on flux and selectivity over 140 h. The permeate flux fluctuated between 2 and 10 L.m−2.h−1 under operating pressure of 0.07–0.2 bar when EEF-MBR was used to treat wastewater containing high organic matter. The COD removal efficiency was more than 99% after 1 h of operating time. Results from the pilot-scale performance were then used to design a large-scale EEF-MBR with 1200 m3.day−1 capacity. Economic analysis showed that this new MBR configuration was cost-effective when the permeate flux was set at 10 L.m−2.h−1. The estimated additional cost for the large-scale wastewater treatment was about 0.25 US$.m−3 with a payback period of 3 years.
Key points
• Performance of new MBR configuration, EEF-MBR, was assessed in long term operation.
• EEF-MBR shows high COD removal and relatively stable flux.
• Cost estimation of large scale shows the cost effective EEF-MBR application.
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This research is fully/partially funded by the Indonesian Ministry of Research and Technology/National Agency for Research and Innovation, and Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture under “Penelitian Dasar Unggulan Perguruan Tinggi (PDUPT) Program”.
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UWRS, PTPA, INW, KK, and AKW: Writing—Original Draft and data analysis; YPT and IGW: Writing—Review & Editing; IGW: conceptualization, Funding acquisition.
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Siagian, U.W.R., Aryanti, P.T.P., Widiasa, I.N. et al. Performance and economic evaluation of a pilot scale embedded ends-free membrane bioreactor (EEF-MBR). Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 107, 4079–4091 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-023-12551-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-023-12551-y