New study reveals key factors causing membrane fouling in industrial wastewater.
Industrial anaerobic membrane bioreactors are a promising option for treating tough wastewaters, but fouling is a big problem. By studying how particles stick to the membrane, researchers found that proteins and lipids are major culprits. They discovered that proteins and lipids together make fouling worse, changing how it happens. Using computer models, they figured out how different factors affect fouling and how to predict when it will become a big issue. This research can help design better membrane bioreactors and save money in the long run.