Effects of large salinity fluctuations on an anaerobic membrane bioreactor treating phenolic wastewater

High salinity is becoming more common in industrial process water and final effluents, particularly when striving to close loops. There limited knowledge on the anaerobic treatment of chemical wastewaters characterized by distinct fluctuations. This study investigates high fluctuating effects conversion capacity membrane filtration performance an bioreactor (AnMBR) treating phenol-containing wastewater. The AnMBR operated for 180 days with sodium concentrations between 8 37 gNa+.L?1. At ? 26 gNa+.L?1, approximately 99% COD phenol removal efficiencies were achieved. decreased 86 82%, respectively, while biomass specific methanogenic activity was 0.12 ± 0.05 gCOD-CH4.gVSS?1.d?1. Due large fluctuations, reduced 45% but recovered ? 88%. Compared conversion, methanogenesis severely affected. Calculations showed a maximum in-situ rate 25.5 mgPh.gVSS?1.d?1. Concomitantly, integrity compromised, median particle size dropped from 65.6 4.3 ?m, resulting transmembrane pressure increase above 400 mbar. Cake layer resistance contributed 85% total resistance. Nonetheless, all effectively retained AnMBR. A change 14 gNa+.L?1 substantially microbial richness diversity. community dominated Bacteria belonging Clostridiales Archaea orders Methanosarcinales Methanobacteriales. Our findings demonstrate AnMBRs as suitable techniques water, possible subsequent reclamation, phenols largely levels.