Integrated thermophilic submerged aerobic membrane bioreactor and electrochemical oxidation for pulp and paper effluent treatment - towards system closure

► An optimal HRT of 1.1 ± 0.1 d was found to obtain the highest COD removal (92%). ► EO treatment further improved the COD removal to 96-98%. ► Protein was the dominant compound in permeate. ► The novel TSAMBR-EO technology can achieve system closure.