Collaborative Research: Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors for Treatment and Reclamation of Domestic Wastewater

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

0323963 Ergas The overall goal of this project is to assess the viability of anaerobic MBRs for treatment of domestic wastewaters for reclamation applications. Specific objectives include: (1) characterization of soluble COD in anaerobic MBRs treating low strength wastewaters, (2) evaluation of the effect of system operating conditions on effluent COD and membrane fouling and (3) evaluation of anaerobic MBR for pathogen removal and reclamation applications. The research will be accomplished through collaboration between U.S. and Mexican research laboratories with expertise in anaerobic treatment processes, MBR technology and pathogen removal. The U.S. team will conduct bench scale anaerobic MBR studies under controlled operating conditions (SRT, MLSS, COD loading rate) using synthetic, raw and settled wastewater. Studies will focus on how the presence of a membrane separation system affect the characteristics (VFA concentrations, MW distribution, biodegradability) of anaerobic effluents and what operating conditions, membrane materials and configurations minimize effluent soluble COD and maximize flux. The Mexican team will conduct pilot scale anaerobic MBR studies, focusing on pathogen removal and water reclamation applications.