Excess Sludge Production in Membrane Bioreactors: A Theoretical Investigation
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical investigation on excess sludge production in membrane bioreactors for municipal wastewater treatment. Based on mass balances of sludge and substrate, a formula to predict the excess sludge production in membrane bioreactors is introduced and verified by experimental data. The effects of kinetic parameters and operating conditions on excess sludge production are discussed for strong-, medium-, and low-strength municipal wastewaters, respectively. The strategy for reducing excess sludge production is recommended in order of priority, as sludge retention timehydraulic retention time. Furthermore, the differences between membrane bioreactors and activated sludge processes are analyzed from the viewpoint of excess sludge production.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 129 • Issue 4 • April 2003
Pages: 291 - 297
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 5, 2001
Accepted: May 18, 2002
Published online: Mar 14, 2003
Published in print: Apr 2003
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