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Enhanced Pollutant Removal and Antifouling in an Aerobic Ceramic Membrane Bioreactor with Bentonite for Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment

Authors :
Salaheddine Elmoutez
Hafida Ayyoub
Mohamed Chaker Necibi
Azzedine Elmidaoui
Mohamed Taky
Source :
Membranes, Vol 14, Iss 10, p 205 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of adding bentonite clay (concentration of 1.5 to 10 g/L) to a pilot-scale aerobic ceramic membrane bioreactor (AeCMBR) for treating pharmaceutical wastewater (PhWW). The hydraulic retention time (HRT) was maintained at 24 h; the dissolved oxygen was between 2 mg/L (on) and 4 mg/L (off) throughout operation. Organic and nitrogen pollution removal rates and heavy metal (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) reduction rates were assessed. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency exceeded 82%. Adsorption improved ammonia (NH4+) removal to 78%; the addition of 5 g of bentonite resulted in a 38% improvement compared with the process without bentonite. The average nitrate concentration decreased from 169.69 mg/L to 43.72 mg/L. The average removal efficiencies for Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were 86%, 68.52%, 46.90% and 56.76%, respectively. Bentonite at 5 g/L significantly reduced membrane fouling. The cost–benefit analysis enabled us to predict that the process will meet the multiple objectives of durability, treatment performance and economic viability. The combination of an AeCMBR and bentonite adsorption has proven to be a valuable solution for treating highly polluted wastewater.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20770375
Volume :
14
Issue :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Membranes
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.bfed95fd7d5749819a9eed694f89ba0f
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes14100205