Influence of sludge retention time on membrane bioreactor hydraulic performance

Membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors—Characterisation, contradictions, cause and cures

“…Rosenberger and Kraume [130] observed that the specific SMP concentration increased with sludge loading rate (F/M ratio) and decreased with sludge age. Grelier et al [124] found that the contribution of colloids to fouling decreased with increasing SRT. While overall SMP formation did not seem to have been significantly affected by unsteady operation, the nature or structure and hence the fouling propensity of the polysaccharides seemed to vary [34].…”

The influence of solids retention time on activated sludge bioflocculation and membrane fouling in a membrane bioreactor (MBR)

“…For example, at higher SRTs some authors report lower specific amounts of bound extracellular polymeric substances [5] or colloidal and soluble polysaccharides [6]. Also, the microbial community structure is influenced by the SRT [7].…”

Potential and drawbacks of microbiology–membrane interaction in membrane bioreactors

“…In a comparison of three pilot MBRs, the influence of different sludge ages (8, 15, 40 days) was studied. A sludge age of 40 days resulted in the lowest PS concentrations and best membrane performance, whereas with 8 days, the poorest membrane performance was observed [43].…”