Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2002AK5B

Investigation of Fouling in Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment

Institute: Alaska
Year Established: 2002 Start Date: 2002-03-01 End Date: 2004-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $40,968 Total Non-Federal Funds: $33,018

Principal Investigators: Silke Schiewer

Project Summary: 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.