Comparison between moving bed-membrane bioreactor (MB-MBR) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems: Influence of wastewater salinity variation

- MBR and MB-MBR pilot plants under gradual salinity increase were compared.
- Respirometry showed that the biomass activity was not significantly affected by the salinity.
- Membrane fouling was mainly due to irreversible cake deposition.
- Biofilm detachment phenomena affected the irreversible cake deposition.
- Pore fouling tendency was more pronounced for the MBR pilot plant.