Analysis of fouling mechanisms in anaerobic membrane bioreactors

► We present an optimization approach to identify the most likely AnBRMs fouling mechanism. ► Fouling in AnBRM long-term experiments can be described by only one phase. ► The cake formation mechanism is the general trend of fouling in AnMBR. ► Fouling in AnBRM short-term experiments passes through two phases controlled by the same or different fouling mechanisms. ► When AnBRM pores size is higher than 0.5 μm, fouling mechanism may be pores constriction.