Self-forming Dynamic Membranes for Wastewater Treatment

ABSTRACT 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 control, over conventional membranes used in membrane bioreactors. SFDM technology utilizes inexpensive support material integrated with a dynamic membrane (DM) made of suspended solids and biomass to provide high effluent quality. Objectives This paper aims to bridge the gap between the previous reviews and the current studies to provide a comprehensive review on SFDM applications to both aerobic and anaerobic bioreactors. Literature review The historical development of DMs since the 1960s up to the present is presented. Specific attention was given to DM formation mechanisms, deposition time, impacts of design, and operational factors (mesh characteristics and sludge properties) on DM formation and performances and on DM-based integrated systems. Abbreviations AnDMBR, anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor; CFV,crossflow velocity; COD,chemical oxygen demand; DM,dynamic membrane; DO,dissolved oxygen; EPS,extracellular polymeric substances; F/M,food to microorganisms ratio; HRT,hydraulic retention time; J,flux; MBR,membrane bioreactor; MF,microfiltration; MLSS,mixed liquor suspended solids; PSD,particle size distribution; RO,reverse osmosis; SEM,scanning electron microscopy; SFDM,self-forming dynamic membrane; SMP,soluble microbial products; SRT,sludge retention time; SS,suspended solids; TMP,transmembrane pressure; TN,total nitrogen; TP,total phosphorus; TSS,total suspended solids; UF,ultrafiltration