Evaluation of biomass activity and wastewater characterization in a UCT-MBR pilot plant by means of respirometric techniques

►Operational conditions and SRT strongly influence the biomass activity. ►Decrease of heterotrophic activity when operating with complete sludge retention. ►Good development of nitrifying bacteria to the detriment of heterotrophic one. ►Respirometry is a suitable tools for UCT-MBR biomass characterisation.