Non-feasibility of magnetic adsorbents for fouling control in anaerobic membrane bioreactors

► The magnetic adsorbent reduced the filterability of anaerobic sludge. ► The reduced filterability was not due to viscosity increase. ► The slug flow could not prevent the adsorbent from reaching membrane surface. ► The removal of the adsorbent from sludge caused significant sludge loss. ► The adsorbent is not suggested to improve filterability of anaerobic sludge.