Optimization of MBRs through integrated modelling: A state of the art.

The optimization of integrated membrane bioreactors (MBRs) models is of paramount importance in view of reducing the costs, greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing the water quality. On this behalf, this paper, produced by the International Water Association (IWA) Task Group on Membrane modelling and control, reviews the current state-of-the-art regarding the control and optimization of integrated MBR models. Whether aerobic or anaerobic, such modelling allows the consideration of specific functioning conditions and optimization problems together with the estimation and monitoring of Performance Index (PIs).

Biological processes modelling for MBR systems: A review of the state-of-the-art focusing on SMP and EPS.

A mathematical correlation between biomass kinetic and membrane fouling can improve the understanding and spread of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, especially in solving the membrane fouling issues. On this behalf, this paper, produced by the International Water Association (IWA) Task Group on Membrane modelling and control, reviews the current state-of-the-art regarding the modelling of kinetic processes of biomass, focusing on modelling production and utilization of soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The key findings of this work show that the new conceptual approaches focus on the role of different bacterial groups in the formation and degradation of SMP/EPS.

Modeling, simulation and control of biological and chemical P-removal processes for membrane bioreactors (MBRs) from lab to full-scale applications: State of the art.

Phosphorus (P) removal from the domestic wastewater is required to counter the eutrophication in receiving water bodies and is mandated by the regulatory frameworks in several countries with discharge limits within 1-2mgPL. Operating at higher sludge retention time (SRT) and higher biomass concentration than the conventional activated sludge process (CASP), membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are able to remove 70-98% phosphorus without addition of coagulant. In full-scale facilities, enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is assisted by the addition of metal coagulant to ensure >95% P-removal.

Integrated membrane bioreactors modelling: A review on new comprehensive modelling framework.

Integrated Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) models, combination of biological and physical models, have been representing powerful tools for the accomplishment of high environmental sustainability. This paper, produced by the International Water Association (IWA) Task Group on Membrane Modelling and Control, reviews the state-of-the-art, identifying gaps for future researches, and proposes a new integrated MBR modelling framework. In particular, the framework aims to guide researchers and managers in pursuing good performances of MBRs in terms of effluent quality, operating costs (such as membrane fouling, energy consumption due to aeration) and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

New insights in morphological analysis for managing activated sludge systems.

In activated sludge (AS) process, the impact of the operational parameters on process efficiency is assumed to be correlated with the sludge properties. This study provides a better insight into these interactions by subjecting a laboratory-scale AS system to a sequence of operating condition modifications enabling typical situations of a wastewater treatment plant to be represented. Process performance was assessed and AS floc morphology (size, circularity, convexity, solidity and aspect ratio) was quantified by measuring 100,000 flocs per sample with an automated image analysis technique.