Revealing the role of supernatant and granular sludge fractions on granular anaerobic membrane bioreactor fouling

In order to design efficient fouling mitigation strategies in granular anaerobic membrane bioreactors (G-AnMBR), foulant characteristics and their role have be thoroughly investigated. Raw mixed liquor of G-AnMBR was split by sieving into granules supernatant fractions at 0.125 mm. Then, the potential reversibility different samples (granules, raw liquor) were assessed measuring critical fluxes through filtration tests. Various hydrodynamic conditions, i.e. gas sparging recirculation, applied evaluate impact shear stress on propensity. Results revealed that fraction, composed fine compounds micro-particles, had a strong potential, whilst granule fraction led minor resistance. Three-dimensional excitation emission fluorescence spectroscopy emphasised prominent colloidal proteins fouling. During test liquor, propensity micro-particles lowered, since structural cake layer modified. Gas allowed for formation, but excess forces may lead break-up more irreversible Liquid recirculation higher resistance, almost all permeability recovered physical cleaning. A short cycle without followed period relaxation could suitable method. this way, release from limited, build-up would mostly reversible cleaning, energy demand greatly reduced, thereby improving neutrality biotechnology.