Comparison between sequential and simultaneous application of activated carbon with membrane bioreactor for trace organic contaminant removal

► >95% removal of all trace organics was achieved by MBR-GAC and PAC-MBR initially. ► Gradual drop in removal of some hydrophilic compounds occurred in both systems. ► Known persistent compound carbamazepine showed high removal in both systems. ► Charged compounds fenoprop and diclofenac showed high persistence in both systems. ► PAC-MBR outperformed MBR-GAC in terms of adsorbent consumption.