Biological processes modelling for MBR systems: A review of the state-of-the-art focusing on SMP and EPS

Coupling a Simple and Generic Membrane Fouling Model with Biological Dynamics: Application to the Modeling of an Anaerobic Membrane BioReactor (AnMBR)

“…In other words, we propose to consider Q out as a decreasing function of the total mass solids attached onto the membrane surface and of the solute (as SMP) deposited inside the pores. As recalled in the introduction, as a matter of fact, many studies in the literature agreed that SMP have a crucial role in the membrane fouling, especially in pore clogging [7][8][9][10][11].…”

“…In other words, we propose to consider as a decreasing function of the total mass solids attached onto the membrane surface and of the solute (as SMP) deposited inside the pores. As recalled in the introduction, as a matter of fact, many studies in the literature agreed that SMP have a crucial role in the membrane fouling, especially in pore clogging [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Fouling mechanisms It is well known that the fouling dynamics are different depending on the fouling mode considered, namely pore constriction, cake formation, complete blocking and intermediate blocking [ 22 ].…”

“…Recent work established that models developed to describe the conventional activated sludge process (Activated Sludge Models (ASM) [ 4 ]) and anaerobic digestion (Anaerobic Digestion Model N.1 [ 5 ]) can be used to describe MBR dynamics when slightly modifying the model parameters [ 6 ]. However, such models were developed above all for continuous and homogeneous reactors and are not able to account for specific components such as Soluble Microbial Product (SMP) dynamics that are known to play an important role in membrane fouling [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In a conventional bioreactor, the matter recycling (due for instance to biomass mortality) is not necessarily taken into account, because it can usually be neglected with respect to the dilution rate.…”

Dynamic Modelling, Process Control, and Monitoring of Selected Biological and Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment: A Review of Recent Developments

“…For instance, in the case of an aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) and an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR), the modelling of the process necessitates the comprehensive consideration of various factors and processes occurring simultaneously. This includes consideration of biological metabolism, substance biodegradation, membrane separation mechanisms, the hydrodynamic behaviour of substances, particularly soluble microbial products (SMPs) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) leading to membrane fouling, the specific reactor configuration, operation, and ambient conditions [58,59]. Additionally, it is imperative to consider that these processes interact with each other.…”

“…On the other hand, the dynamics of EPSs are understudied. It is noteworthy to consider that most studies investigating the behaviour of either SMPs or EPSs rely only on experimental data, which, while valuable, are less effective than examining the actual data [58]. Same as other processes, addressing the difficulties of developing a mechanistic model for MBRs and AnMBRs involves the application of black-box modelling.…”