Fouling control in MBR in a sustainable perspective

Membrane fouling is a serious challenge for membrane bioreactors (MBRs) as it shortens the membrane life and affects its permeability negatively. Considerable efforts and research are still under development to understand this phenomenon and to suggest new antibiofouling strategies. In this chapter, emerging antifouling control methods are critically reviewed to cover most of the recently emerging studies and issues related to biofouling control. The mechanical and chemical cleaning through the addition of different chemical agents are discussed in detail, focusing on the latest emerging chemical approaches. In addition, the role of aeration and the development of different modification strategies are negotiated as well for their effect on membrane fouling mitigation and energy consumption minimization. Furthermore, the latest biological, electrical, thermodynamics, and nanoparticles intervention for the mitigation of membrane fouling in MBRs is discussed in detail. Such a critical review gives a promising insight for a more green, sustainable, and less energy consuming methods mentioning, on the other hand, the challenges associated with them.