WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH GRANT PROPOSAL
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH GRANT PROPOSAL
Project ID: 2002AK5B
Title: Investigation of Fouling in Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment
Project Type: Research
Focus Categories: Waste Water
Keywords: fouling, membrane bioreactors, wastewater
Start Date: 03/01/2002
End Date: 02/28/2003
Federal Funds: $20,097
Non-Federal Matching Funds: $15,712
Congressional District: Alaska
Principal Investigator:
Silke Schiewer
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, WERC (Water & Environmental Research Center)
Abstract
The use of membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment can reduce the amount of contaminants discharged into sensitive Alaskan ecosystems. The process of membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment offers the advantage of a very high effluent quality. Membrane fouling, which can cause operational problems, is the major challenge that this innovative technology faces. Therefore, research is necessary to alleviate this problem. The proposed project will contribute to a better understanding under which conditions fouling is exacerbated. Such knowledge can help to design the process such that fouling is reduced. Improved membrane bioreactor operation is expected to lead to an increased use of this environmentally beneficial technique.