Membrane electro-bioreactor for small wastewater treatment systems

Abstract

Membrane electro-bioreactor (MEBR) was tested in pilot scale to evaluate its suitability to treat low wastewater flowrates in remote locations. The system treated municipal wastewater with highly variable, continuously changing concentrations of COD, ammonia and phosphorous. The MEBR combining biological, electrokinetic and membrane filtration processes allowed achievement of 90-99% of phosphorous, COD, and nitrogen. The results confirmed that MEBR could be applied to self–sustained building, separate dwellings, and in remote locations. It would be capable in substituting septic tanks, and used for mobile septage pre-treatment. It can be implemented in small and medium size municipalities, villages, mining or military camps as well as remote aboriginal population reserves.