The study explored the effectiveness of a new bioflocculant called GemFloc™ in reducing membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBR) during the treatment of municipal wastewater.
Compared to traditional MBRs, the use of GemFloc™ resulted in lower levels of soluble microbial products (SMP), larger sludge floc sizes, and improved sludge characteristics, leading to less blockages and resistance in the membrane system.
The addition of GemFloc™ also promoted a more diverse microbial community, with an increase in beneficial fouling-reducing microbes and a decrease in those that contribute to membrane fouling.