Quorum quenching, biological characteristics, and microbial community dynamics as key factors for combating fouling of membrane bioreactors

Abstract Membrane fouling is a major challenge in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for wastewater treatment. This study investigates the effects of disturbance and solid retention time (SRT) on quorum-quenching (QQ) MBRs relative to antifouling efficacy microbial community change. The rate increases with applied at short SRT, counteracting effect QQ; however, it decreases QQ long SRT. appears be responsible such MBR behaviors. Several bacterial species belonging biofilm-forming group are dominant after disturbance, resulting substantive fouling. However, balance between plays key role propensity when stabilized. Koflera flava becomes QQ, leading reduced makes more diverse, while lowering its richness. SRT would favorable operational strategy effective control.