Application of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Technology for the Removal

of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) from

Wastewater
Mosaab Ahmed Elbager Ahmed
 introduction

Membrane Bioreactor Technology

MBR Effectiveness for PPCP Removal

Mechanisms of PPCP Removal in MBRs

Operational Factors Influencing PPCP Removal

outline Design Criteria of MBR in PPCPs Removal

Advantages of MBRs for PPCP Removal

Disadvantages of MBRs for PPCP Removal

Examples of MBR system

Antimicrobial Resistance

Conclusion
CECs are various unregulated
chemicals that may harm health
and the environment. These include
pharmaceuticals, personal care
products, industrial chemicals,
pesticides, and various other
synthetic and natural substances.

Pharmaceutical and personal care

products (PPCPs) such as
antibiotics, hormones, and
cosmetics are contaminating
wastewater around the world.

Improved wastewater treatment

methods are needed to remove
these harmful contaminants before
the water is discharged into the
environment.
 Membrane Bioreactor Technology
MBRs work by combining
the activated sludge Operating with elevated The membrane modules
process with membrane Mixed Liquor Suspended used for wastewater According to their
filtration to remove Solids (MLSS) levels, in treatment are (1) tubular, (2) specific nature and
suspended solids and comparison to conventional hollow fine fiber, and (3) use. That includes
microorganisms. activated sludge systems spiral wound. MF, UF, NF, and RO.

Membrane
Overview Bioreactor Membrane Module
Classification

MBR
Advantages Disadvantages
Configurations

External configuration higher quality effluent Membrane fouling

submerged smaller footprint Energy Consumption
Configuration
easier upgrade of M @ O cost
existing plants
 MBR Effectiveness for PPCP Removal

MBRs achieve high removals of
many PPCPs
Research shows MBRs can remove over
95% of BOD and COD from wastewater.
Higher removals than
conventional treatment
MBRs consistently achieve 10-30%
higher removal rates for key PPCPs
compared to conventional activated
sludge processes.
Effective for wide range of
compounds
MBRs effectively remove PPCPs with
diverse properties including
antibiotics, hormones, stimulants,
anti-inflammatories, and sunscreen
agents.

Research conclusively demonstrates MBR technology as an

effective solution for enhanced PPCP removal from wastewater.
 Mechanisms of PPCP Removal in MBRs

Biodegradation Adsorption Size Exclusion

Microorganisms in MBRs PPCPs adsorb to activated PPCPs are rejected by the
biodegrade and mineralize sludge, membranes and membrane due to size
PPCPs. other solids in MBRs. exclusion.

Biotransformation Sorption
PPCPs undergo biotransformation reactions in PPCPs sorb to biomass and membrane
MBRs. surfaces.
Mechanisms of PPCP Removal in MBRs
Operational Factors Influencing PPCP Removal

Solids Retention Time (SRT) and Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT).

Flow rate

MLSS

Temperature

PH
Design Criteria of MBR in PPCPs Removal

DO (1.0 or more ) mg/L MLSS (7000 - 18000 mg/L)

HRT( 5 - 14) hours Design Criteria SRT (18 -26) days

Temperature(10- 35 c) Flow rate ( 20 -300 m3/d)

 Advantages of MBRs for PPCP Removal

Small footprint Ease of upgrade

MBRs have a smaller footprint compared to MBR systems can be easily upgraded by
conventional activated sludge processes as increasing membrane area to handle higher
there is no need for clarifiers or tertiary flows and loadings.
treatment.

High quality effluent

The membrane filtration process produces a
high quality effluent that meets stringent
discharge limits.
 Disadvantages of MBRs for PPCP Removal

Membrane Fouling Capital , Operation , and

Membrane fouling is a significant challenge Maintenance Cost
in the broader use of membrane bioreactors
(MBRs). MBR system costs include capital cost,
operating, and maintenance. Membranes,
Gas sparging, SRT control, activated carbon tanks, and industrial equipment are major
(coagulant / flocculent) addition, capital expenditures.
backwashing, and physical and chemical
cleaning are common fouling management MBR systems cost more to buy and operate
methods. than traditional systems for the same
throughput. The costs associated with O&M
include cleaning and fouling control
Energy Consumption
Energy efficiency is a priority. MBRs are
designed to operate with specific energy
consumption ranging from 0.3-1.2 kWh/m3.
low energy consumption is achieved through
innovative design features, including: Low
pressure membrane systems that require
less energy for filtration.
 Examples of MBR system

Illustration of MBR plant
Illustration of a typical
membrane bioreactor (MBR)
wastewater treatment plant
with membrane module
housings.
Aerial view of MBR MBR installation in
facility Singapore
Aerial view of the Sjölunda The Ulu Pandan Water
wastewater treatment plant in Reclamation Plant in
Malmö, Sweden which utilizes Singapore, one of the largest
MBR technology. MBR facilities in the world
treating municipal wastewater.
MBR schematic
Schematic diagram of a typical
membrane bioreactor showing
the biological treatment
integrated with membrane
filtration.
Problem of AMR
Antibiotic-resistant genes
(ARGs) and bacteria (ARBs) in
water bodies are increasing,
classifying them as emerging
contaminants.
Impact of Wastewater
Effluents
Studies show that different
wastewater treatment methods
consistently increase bacterial
resistance, highlighting the
need for advanced treatments
and new regulations.
Hybrid Treatment
Techniques
Combining solar photo Fenton
(SPF) and granular activated
carbon (GAC) shows promise in
removing ARB from urban
wastewater, but some ARGs
remain unaffected.
Antimicrobial
Resistance
Effectiveness of Solar
Photo-Fenton:
This method effectively
deactivates cefotaxime-
resistant bacteria in secondary
effluents, with a higher
inactivation rate in continuous
flow compared to batch mode.
 Conclusions

MBR effective for PPCP removal
MBR achieved high removal rates for
many PPCP compounds
MBR improves effluent quality
MBR effluent meets stringent discharge
limits for PPCPs
MBR suitable for wastewater
reuse
The high quality MBR effluent can
be reused for non-potable
applications

In summary, MBR technology is an effective option for enhanced removal of

PPCPs from wastewater to improve effluent quality and enable water reuse.