Effect of Cross Flow Velocity on an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor for Domestic Wastewater

Anaerobic membrane bioreactors employ a membrane to retain biomass in the reactor, greatly reducing the hydraulic retention time needed for treatment and allowing for anaerobic treatment of dilute waste streams such as domestic waste. The performance of the AnMBR was evaluated based on treated water quality, biogas production, and membrane fouling mitigation using cross flow velocities of 0.5 to 1.0 ms-1. The results of this study show that an anaerobic MBR can be oeprated to treat combined waste streams of wastewater and food wastes that can be beneficial in a decentralized location.