Membrane bioreactor technology for leachate treatment at solid waste landfills

Controlled landfilling remains a commonly applied method for municipal solid waste disposal with leachate generation being an inevitable consequence of the decomposition of the waste and the percolation of water through decomposing waste. The membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology has evolved into an effective process in treating such high strength wastewater streams because of its ability to retain high biomass concentration through membrane separation. This paper presents a critical review of the application of the MBR technology for the treatment of leachate and evaluates its performance in this context while highlighting factors affecting MBR operation. The paper concludes with outlining existing gaps and future research needs to improve the understanding and performance of the MBR technology for leachate treatment.