How Membrane Bioreactor Technology Can Help to Solve Both, German and Russian Wastewater Problems

Abstract

Municipal wastewater treatment plants focus on the elimination of particles, carbon, nitrogen compounds to comply with local environmental standards. State-of-the-art is a three step procedure based on the combination of physical, chemical, and biological treatment. Investigations have stressed the need for a fourth level of cleaning to remove so-called microplastics and micropollutants, as well as phosphorous compounds, which cannot be eliminated by state-of-the-art technologies. This, together with the higher probability of natural disasters as a consequence of climate change requires considerable adaptation of existing water supply and wastewater systems. The construction of new wastewater treatment plants is not expected in Germany in the near future; the total number of plants is even decreasing. Instead, the focus will be on improving the cleaning performance and retrofitting existing wastewater treatment plants. In contrast to Germany, the existing technology in the Russian Federation is often in poor condition and performance is limited by climate conditions. Accordingly, the construction of new plants with state-of-the-art technology is essential for improving water security. Membrane bioreactor technology (MBR) offers both, the opportunity to reduce the footprint of wastewater cleaning plants and to implement a fourth treatment stage. In particular, MBRs can be operated in combination with upstream UV radiation. Recent research has also shown that the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) in submerged MBRs can increase the total cleaning performance. Thus, MBR technology offers major advantages for municipal wastewater treatment in both, Germany and the Russian Federation.