Removal of indicator bacteriophages from municipal wastewater by a full-scale membrane bioreactor and a conventional activated sludge process: Implications to water reuse

► MBR process is more effective than CASP in the removal of bacteriophages. ► SOMCPH proves to be more resistant to MBR treatment than FRNAPH. ► BFRAGPH are not always detectable in the pre-treated effluent. ► SOMCPH are the most suitable indicators to evaluate the MBR process performance. ► SOMCPH are the most suitable indicators to evaluate the safety of the MBR effluent.