A review on aerobic self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactor: Formation, performance, fouling and cleaning

Over the past few decades, much importance has been given to Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) in order to obtain a better substrate removal, considering the biomass retention in biochemical reactors. This review article begins with an overall scenario of the Membrane Bioreactor, then narrowing down to the Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor followed by Self-forming Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor (SFDMBR). It focuses on the formation of Self-Forming Dynamic Membrane (SFDM), performance of SFDMBR and cleaning methods. Based on the literature, it was observed that, by adopting physical cleaning alone, more than 90 % of flux recovery can be achieved, but irreversible foulants like extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) necessitate chemical cleaning. This article provides a technical overview of the research studies on the various factors affecting the performances of SFDMBR, including operating conditions (applied flux or pressure, aeration rate, solids retention time (SRT), etc.) and sludge characteristics (particle size distribution, settleability, flocculability, dewaterability, extracellular polymeric substance and soluble microbial product (SMP)). They influence the SFDM formation and the performance of SFDMBR. Relation between MLSS and formation time has also been discussed. Eventually, future perspective of SFDM study is also provided.