The membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) for water and wastewater treatment: Principles, applications, and recent developments

► The membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) is introduced. ► The fundamental behavior of MBfRs is discussed. ► Current and novel applications are critically reviewed. ► Design and scale-up issues are presented. ► Key research needs are provided. The membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR), an emerging technology...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioresource technology 2012-10, Vol.122, p.83-94
Main Authors: Martin, Kelly J., Nerenberg, Robert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biofilm
Biofilms
Biofilms - growth & development
Bioreactors - economics
Bioreactors - microbiology
Carbon
Contaminants
Design engineering
Footprints
Hydrogen
MABR
MBfR
Membrane biofilm reactor
Membranes
Membranes, Artificial
Pilot Projects
Reactors
Waste Water - economics
Waste Water - microbiology
Wastewater treatment
Water Purification - economics
Water Purification - instrumentation
Water Purification - methods
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Summary:► The membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) is introduced. ► The fundamental behavior of MBfRs is discussed. ► Current and novel applications are critically reviewed. ► Design and scale-up issues are presented. ► Key research needs are provided. The membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR), an emerging technology for water and wastewater treatment, is based on pressurized membranes that supply a gaseous substrate to a biofilm formed on the membrane’s exterior. MBfR biofilms behave differently from conventional biofilms due to the counter-diffusion of substrates. MBfRs are uniquely suited for numerous treatment applications, including the removal of carbon and nitrogen when oxygen is supplied, and reduction of oxidized contaminants when hydrogen is supplied. Major benefits include high gas utilization efficiency, low energy consumption, and small reactor footprints. The first commercial MBfR was recently released, and its success may lead to the scale-up of other applications. MBfR development still faces challenges, including biofilm management, the design of scalable reactor configurations, and the identification of cost-effective membranes. If future research and development continue to address these issues, the MBfR may play a key role in the next generation of sustainable treatment systems.
ISSN:0960-8524
1873-2976
DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2012.02.110