Anaerobic self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactors (AnSFDMBRs) for wastewater treatment-Recent advances, process optimization and perspectives

Recently, anaerobic self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactors (AnSFDMBRs) have attracted increasing attention, and are considered as an alternative to conventional anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs). The key advantages of AnSFDMBRs include high flux, low propensity towards fouling, and low capital and operational costs. Although there have been several reviews on AnMBRs, very few reviews on AnSFDMBR system. Previous AnSFDMBR studies have focused on lab-scale to investigate the long-term flux, methods to improve performance and the associated mechanisms. Microbial analysis showed that the phyla namely Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are dominant in both bulk sludge and cake biofilm, but their abundance is low in biocake. This review critically examines the fundamentals of AnSFDMBRs, operational conditions, process optimization and applications. Moreover, the current knowledge gaps (e.g., dynamic membrane module optimization, membrane surface modification and functional microbes enrichment) that should be studied in future to design an efficient AnSFDMBR system for treatment of diverse wastewaters.

Automated summary

Anaerobic self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactors (AnSFDMBRs) have gained attention as an alternative to conventional anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) due to their high flux, low fouling propensity, and cost-effectiveness. Previous studies have focused on lab-scale research to optimize performance, with microbial analysis revealing dominant bacteria phyla in bulk sludge and cake biofilm, but lower abundance in biocake. Critical reviews of AnSFDMBR fundamentals, operational conditions, and potential applications emphasize the need for future research on membrane module optimization, surface modification, and microbial enrichment to design efficient systems for diverse wastewater treatment.