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An advanced concept of aerobic membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for highly efficient wastewater treatment has been disclosed by introduction of an electro and encapsulated self-forming dynamic biomembrane (e-ESFDM). The biological filtering membrane is intercalated between two woven polyester fabrics as supports that assist the formation and protect the biomembrane. The innovative architecture of the e-ESFDM in combination with electrocoagulation processes resulted in efficient and cost-effective wastewater treatment and control of the membrane fouling. The performance of the e-ESFDMBR was compared to a yet highly efficient ESFDMBR, where the electric field was not present. The ESFDM-based reactors both showed comparable results in the removal of organic matter, in terms of COD and DOC. On the other hand, e-ESFDMBR exceeded the performance of the ESFDMBR in the reduction of nitrogen- and phosphorous-containing pollutants, responsible for eutrophication processes in the environment, and recalcitrant molecules, such as humic-like substances. In addition, an extremely low fouling rate was observed for the e-ESFDM bioreactor. Insights on the biological processes involved in the developed MBR were provided by investigations on the microbiological diversity found in reactor mixed liquor, ESFDM layer and treated wastewater.

Introduction Self-forming dynamic membrane (SFDM) technology has been gaining significant interest due to its potential advantages, notably lower capital and operational cost and easier fouling con...

Presence of organic micropollutants (OMP) in wastewater has become an emerging concern due to OMP's bioaccumulation capacity in the aquatic environment and their harmful effects. As a result, numerous processes have been explored as alternatives to conventional activated sludge (CAS) to address OMP removal. Among these, membrane bioreactor (MBR) has become a promising option due to its capacity to retain high microorganism concentration and produce high effluent quality with low sludge production. MBR has been proven effective in OMP removal. Nonetheless, recalcitrance of other OMPs and membrane fouling limited MBR efficiency. Integration of MBR with other processes such as advanced oxidation, ozonation, adsorption, reverse osmosis, and electrochemical processes increased MBR efficiency while quorum sensing (QS) inhibition through quorum quenching (QQ) was proven effective in membrane fouling mitigation.

This paper presents self-forming dynamic membrane (SFDM) process as a promising alternative to membrane technology. A stable dynamic membrane (DM) is mainly composed of gel layer and cake layer which are responsible for filtration and biodegradation. An understanding of the formation mechanism and impact of operating conditions, support mesh, sludge properties and configuration on the formation, and characteristics of the dynamic membrane is essential to optimize the efficiency and reduce fouling propensity of this technology. The paper thus aims to promote its applicability on wastewater treatment. Review of the influence of mesh support properties, different operating conditions and sludge properties on SFDM performance, and cost comparison between MBR and SFDMBR technologies.