The influence of solids retention time on activated sludge bioflocculation and membrane fouling in a membrane bioreactor (MBR)

Membrane fouling remains a significant drawback for membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The solids retention time (SRT) has been widely acknowledged to be an important factor influencing membrane fouling. In general, lower membrane fouling rates are observed at elevated SRTs, however, the direct mechanisms through which a high SRT alleviates fouling are unclear. Since it has also been reported that activated sludge bioflocculation is an important factor in membrane fouling, this paper studies the impact of SRT on bioflocculation with respect to membrane fouling. A pilot-scale MBR was operated for more than two years at three different SRTs during which bioflocculation was closely monitored by means of an automated image analysis procedure while the fouling rate was recorded on-line for different fluxes and different filtration/relaxation cycles. In addition, the Delft filtration characterization method (DFCm) was employed to assess the activated sludge fouling propensity. Based on these data, it is shown that stable operation of a membrane bioreactor requires a good activated sludge condition and that bioflocculation is a crucial factor within that context. In the tested SRT range (10–30–50 days), a higher SRT contributes to better activated sludge bioflocculation and as a consequence, to lower fouling rates.

► A pilot-scale MBR was operated for more than two years with real communal wastewater.
► Membrane bioreactor effluent quality was better at higher solids retention times (SRTs).
► Higher membrane fouling rates were observed at lower SRTs.
► Activated sludge deflocculation contributes to severe membrane fouling.
► Bioflocculation state is a major indicator for activated sludge filterability.