Mini critical review: Membrane fouling control in membrane bioreactors by microalgae

• Published in: Bioresource technology 2024-08, Vol.406, p.131022, Article 131022
• Main Authors: Yang, Yuanying, Guo, Wenshan, Hao Ngo, Huu, Zhang, Xinbo, Ye, Yuanyao, Peng, Lai, Wei, Chunhai, Zhang, Huiying
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae membrane photobioreactor; Algae-bacterial consortium; Antifouling; Membrane technology
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131022

[Display omitted] •Microalgae is a promising strategy for controlling membrane fouling in MBRs.•Microalgae-MBRs can remove pollutants, save energy, and meanwhile control fouling.•Microalgae improve the properties of sludge mixtures in MBRs to mitigate fouling.•Microalgae influence the microbial communities to impact the extent of fouling.•Future studies based on microalgae-MBRs is required to solve existing challenges. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) hold significant promise for wastewater treatment, yet the persistent challenge of membrane fouling impedes their practical application. One promising solution lies in the synergy between microalgae and bacteria, offering efficient nutrient removal, reduced energy consumption, and potential mitigation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentrations. Inoculating microalgae presents a promising avenue to address membrane fouling in MBRs. This review marks the first exploration of utilizing microalgae for membrane fouling control in MBR systems. The review begins with a comprehensive overview of the evolution and distinctive traits of microalgae-MBRs. It goes further insight into the performance and underlying mechanisms facilitating the reduction of membrane fouling through microalgae intervention. Moreover, the review not only identifies the challenges inherent in employing microalgae for membrane fouling control in MBRs but also illuminates prospective pathways for future advancement in this burgeoning field.