Membrane bioreactor technology for wastewater treatment and reuse

Treatment technology for water recycling encompasses a vast number of options. Membrane processes are regarded as key elements of advanced wastewater reclamation and reuse schemes and are included in a number of prominent schemes world-wide, e.g. for artificial groundwater recharge, indirect potable reuse as well as for industrial process water production. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are a promising process combination of activated sludge treatment and membrane filtration for biomass retention. This paper will provide an overview of the status of membrane bioreactor applications in municipal wastewater reclamation and reuse in Europe and will depict their potential role in promoting more sustainable water use patterns. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of MBR technology on emerging pollutants. A case study will be presented on a full-scale MBR plant for municipal wastewater which is operated by Aquafin in Belgium.