Effect of sludge characteristics on optimal required dosage of flux enhancer in anaerobic membrane bioreactors

Fouling is a major challenge for the economic feasibility and applicability of membrane bioreactors. Several strategies have been proposed fouling control, among them, addition flux enhancers (FE) shown promising results. Previous research revealed high variability required optimal dosage FE different types sludge; however, studies analysing causes such are lacking. Therefore, this examines effect sludge characteristics on filterability improvement (Dopt). We applied cationic polymer Adifloc KD451 as FE, determined Dopt with short-term cross-flow filtration tests. Sludge samples were obtained from five pilot full-scale anaerobic bioreactors (AnMBRs) treating municipal or industrial wastewater. Results showed that was significantly correlated colloidal organic matter concentration, filterability, capillary suction time, concentration soluble polysaccharides. Furthermore, we derived empirical models to predict based input variables. This identifies factors affecting sludges provides guidelines safe continuous dosing in AnMBR control.