| Aeration for membrane fouling control remains the biggest challenge in energy optimization of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system. Among key operating parameters, MLSS concentration was reported as a vital factor in determining energy demand for aeration. Although low MLSS is reported to promote aeration efficiency, concerns regarding treatment performance and fouling propensity under low MLSS are in the quest to explore. Thus, this study aimed at studying SRT/MLSS optimization in MBR systems. Four identical lab-scale membrane bioreactors were set up to investigate the impact of short SRTs on treatment performance and membrane fouling behavior in MBR system in treating domestic wastewater. Hollow fiber membrane and ceramic membrane were deployed in two phases of this study, respectively. Effluent water quality and membrane fouling factors (floc size, SMP and EPS) were analyzed twice a week to elucidate the impact of short SRTs. |
