What does membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology combine?

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology combines biological treatment and membrane filtration, making it an effective method for wastewater treatment. In this system, the biological treatment process, primarily involving microorganisms that break down organic matter, occurs simultaneously with membrane filtration.

The biological component efficiently treats the wastewater as the microorganisms degrade the pollutants. Following this treatment, the membrane filtration process is employed to separate the treated water from biomass and other solids, effectively allowing for the removal of suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses. This integrated approach enhances the quality of the treated water significantly compared to traditional treatment methods, and it allows for a compact system design with a smaller footprint, making it particularly suitable for areas with space constraints or stringent effluent standards.

Overall, the combination of biological treatment and membrane filtration results in better effluent quality, reduced footprint, and higher operational flexibility, thus positioning MBR systems as a progressive solution in modern wastewater treatment applications.