Novel application of high-density polyethylene mesh as self-forming dynamic membrane integrated into a bioreactor for wastewater treatment

In the present study, self-forming dynamic membrane (SFDM) on rigid high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh with a large pore size of 2 mm is reported for the first time. The system was investigated for utilisation in simulated wastewater treatment by integrating the mesh with an aerobic bioreactor. The SFDM was analysed using Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy and visualised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of the operating parameter on the change in composition of SFDM was also investigated. The system was used as a single unit for treatment of wastewater and showed stability over long-term treatment. The system could achieve a chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of 82.16 +/- 6.47% at an influent COD concentration of 613.93 +/- 72.13 mg/l and ammonia removal efficiency of 97.21 +/- 0.62% at an influent ammonia concentration of 55.54 +/- 2.23 mg/l. The reactor generated high-quality effluent and the turbidity recorded was less than 2NTU. In addition, the operational parameters, namely hydraulic retention time and organic loading rate, were optimised.