Performance of a submerged membrane bioreactor for the aerobic treatment of abattoir wastewater

► The performance of a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) during treatment of abattoir wastewater (AW) was investigated. ► With total sludge retention, sludge yield (Yobs) was reduced compared to conventional activated sludge. ► SSCP-PCR method showed that Yobs can be correlated with the bacterial communities present in the system. ► Microbial analysis showed that the SMBR has allowed a complete removal of fecal coliforms, Listeria and Salmonella.