Influence of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Suspension Viscosity on Membrane Fouling in Submerged Membrane Bioreactor

Abstract

This paper deals with the membrane fouling in membrane bioreactor (MBR). Based on the experimental data obtained in the MBR pilot plant study, the influence of F/M ratio on the irreversible and reversible fouling was discussed in the wide range of MLSS concentration. In the case of lower MLSS concentration (2,000–3,000 mg/L), irreversible fouling rate of membrane increased with increasing F/M ratio because of the accumulation of DOC in the mixed liquor. It seems that soluble microbial products with the similar size of the membrane pore will be most responsible for the irreversible fouling. In the case of higher MLSS concentration (8,000–12,000 mg/L), reversible fouling rate of membrane increased with increasing F/M ratio because of the increased suspension viscosity caused by the increased activated sludge size or volume even in the same MLSS concentration.