MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR FOULING: MECHANISMS, IMPACTS, AND CONTROL TECHNIQUES

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology has gained significant attention in the realm of wastewater treatment. Using membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment provides numerous advantages, including high-quality effluent, space efficiency, higher treatment performance, flexibility, reduced sludge production, improved process control, and environmental benefits. Membrane fouling, on the other hand, continues to be a major issue, resulting in higher operational costs, a shorter membrane lifespan, and frequent maintenance requirements. Fouling is produced by deposits of suspended particles, colloids, bacteria, and organic materials on the membrane's surface or within its pores, resulting in decreased permeability. This review critically explores the fouling mechanisms in MBR systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of membrane fouling in the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), focusing on the mechanisms that lead to fouling, its impacts on system performance, and the state-of-the-art techniques employed to control fouling. Membrane fouling is one of the most critical challenges in the operation of MBRs, significantly affecting their efficiency and operational costs. This paper provides an overview of fouling phenomena in MBR systems while also highlighting innovative techniques to improve membrane performance and longevity.