A new approach to wastewater treatment and water and energy recovery: development of an electrochemical conductive membrane bioreactor (EcMBR) operated under Simultaneous Nitrification and Denitrification (SND) condition

Abstract

A potential approach for minimizing negative effects of MBR operation under SND condition and, at the same time, overcoming the limitations of the microbial fuel cells (MFC) can be achieved by combining these technologies. However, the incorporation of MFC with the MBRs may increase the complexity of the process, hindering the system operation and maintenance, and making their practical application in wastewater treatment impossible. In this context, the main objective of the proposed research project is to evaluate the use of conductive polymer membrane integrated with MFC as a filtration cathode. The treatment system will be operated under different conditions of dissolved oxygen concentration and ratio Food/Microorganisms. The experiments will analyze the effects of bioelectrochemical process incorporated in the membrane technology on electricity generation, on the hydraulic performance of the membrane system, on foulant reduction and fouling minimization, on the characteristics of the mixed liquor, and on the conversion and removal processes of organic material and nitrogen. In addition, based on the results of the exploratory research, the applicability of the system in wastewater treatment aimed for water reuse will be evaluated. At the end of the study, an energy balance will be performed to verify the potential economic and environmental benefits of the proposed solution. As a result, we expect to develop an innovative hybrid treatment system that enables the recovery and reuse of water with efficient energy and lower fouling propensity, increasing the sustainability of water reuse. (AU)