Application of Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor for Brewery Wastewater Treatment

This study investigated the applicability of anaerobic membrane reactor (AnMBR) technology for the treatment of high organic strength brewery wastewater. The AnMBR was subjected to a steady-state operation over various organic loading rates (OLRs) of 2, 5, 7.5 and 10 g COD/l/day. The system achieved over 99% COD removal efficiency, excessive methane yield (0.38 m3 CH4/kg COD at 35°C) and minor membrane fouling. Greater microbial growth rate was observed over shorter SRT and more SMP were released into bulk sludge at a higher loading rate, likely due to a higher metabolism rate. Results also showed the UF membrane retained all the suspended solids, reject ed over 95% soluble polysaccharides and played an important role in improving the effluent quality. This research further proved the feasibility of AnMBR on high strength brewery wastewater treatment, achieving great energy recovery while producing excellent quality effluent.