Can membrane bioreactor be a smart option for water treatment?

The gradual increase of organic and inorganic micropollutants in natural and drinking watercourses has posed a greater challenge for current water treatment technologies. Currently established water treatment processes such as activated sludge, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, adsorption, carbon nanotube etc. have a limited range of application, low energy recovery, and cost-intensive operation. Membrane bioreactor has already been utilized as a useful option to remove soluble organics, nutrients, and micropollutants from wastewater. Although currently established Membrane Bioreactors have few limitations, recent developments on this technology have improved its energy efficiency and reduced the operating and maintenance cost. Implementing these research findings in full-scale operation can make this process a favorable option in industrial wastewater treatment.