Biodegradation of nitrophenol compounds and the membrane fouling trends in different submerged membrane bioreactors

▸ Two types of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) removed nitrophenols (metabolic uncouplers) effectively. ▸ The continuous stirred tank reactor MBR (CSTR-MBR) was less susceptible to membrane fouling. ▸ In the CSTR-MBR, metabolic uncoupling by nitrophenols resulted in a low ATP yield of 0.06 mg/g VSS. ▸ Metabolic uncoupling led to a reduced release of extracellular polymeric substances (20.5 mg/g VSS). ▸ Membranes in the CSTR-MBR were less susceptible to fouling because of metabolic uncoupling.