Performance comparison of conventional biological treatment process and membrane bioreactor treating common industrial effluent

Abstract

Industrial effluent is challenging for wastewater treatment plants due to its complexity, toxicity and variable composition This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of industrial wastewater treatment after a primary sedimentation tank using lab-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR), and a full-scale anoxic/oxic process. The results showed that the treated water quality from both systems was similar and satisfied the national effluent standard (column B of QCVN 40-MT:2011/BTNMT). The removal rates of COD, TN, TP and color of activated sludge process in industrial zones were 234 ± 119, 16 ± 3, 0.3 ± 0.2, 100 ± 120 mg/L.day, respectively. The removal rates of COD, TN, TP, and color in MBR were 1.6, 1.3, 10.3, and 2.1 times higher than those in the A/O process, respectively. Although the A/O process in industrial zones performed well, the MBR system demonstrated higher removal rates, particularly for nutrient removal. Besides, MBR systems offer several advantages, including reduced excess sludge production and less space requirements compared to A/O process. In general, MBR offers a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment, with strong potential for application in industrial zones.