Role of zeolite in reducing membrane fouling in a hybrid membrane bioreactor system applied for wastewater treatment

摘要

This study investigates the effectiveness of zeolite for controlling the membrane fouling in a hybrid membrane bioreactor. A control membrane bioreactor without zeolite (CMBR) and a hybrid MBR with zeolite were studied, which were called 4 g L-1 zeolite (Z4-MBR), 8 g L-1 zeolite (Z8-MBR) and 12 g L-1 zeolite (Z12-MBR) within long-and short-term filtration experiments. On average, the Z4-MBR, Z8-MBR and Z12-MBR reduced soluble microbial products (SMPC) by 18.96%, 42.11% and 19.44%, respectively. Furthermore, the ZMBR systems developed lower operational trans-membrane pressure (TMP), lower zeta potential, increased the relative hydrophilicity of sludge and enhanced the concentration of EPS. Reduced membrane fouling and ease of membrane operation are concluded from this study.