Start-up of the anammox process and membrane fouling analysis in a novel rotating membrane bioreactor

► A rotating flat-sheet membrane bioreactor was employed to start up anammox process. ► The anammox process was successfully started up within around 16 days. ► The hydrodynamic conditions were investigated by particle image velocimetry. ► After 60 days of operation, the membrane fouling in the novel MBR was very slight.