Impact on reactor configuration on the performance of anaerobic MBRs: treatment of settled sewage in temperate climates.

The treatment efficiency and membrane performance of a granular and suspended growth anaerobic membrane bioreactor (G-AnMBR and AnMBR respectively) were compared and evaluated. Both anaerobic MBRs were operated in parallel during 250 days with low strength wastewater and under UK weather conditions. Both systems presented COD and BOD removal efficiencies of 80-95% and >90% respectively. Effluent BOD remained between 5 and 15 mgBOD L(-1) through the experimental period while effluent COD increased from 25 mg L(-1) to 75 mg L(-1) as temperature decreased from 25 °C to 10 °C respectively indicating the production of non biodegradable organics at lower temperatures. Although similar levels of low molecular weight organics were present in the sludge supernatant, recycling of the mixed liquor from the membrane tank to the bioreactor at a low upflow velocity enhanced interception of solids in the sludge bed of the G-AnMBR limiting the solid and colloidal load to the membrane as compared to the suspended system. Results from flux step test showed that critical flux increased from 4 to 13 L m(-2) h(-1) and from 3 to 5 L m(-2) h(-1) with gas sparging intensities varying from 0.007 m s(-1) to 0.041. Additional long term trials in which the effect of gas sparging rate and backwashing efficiency were assessed confirmed the lower fouling propensity of the G-AnMBR.