Fouling analysis and biomass distribution on a membrane bioreactor under low ratio COD/N

This paper deals with the influence of chemical oxygen demand to nitrogen ratio ((COD/N) ratio) on the performance of an membrane bioreactor. We aim at establishing relations between COD/N ratio, organisms' distribution and sludge properties (specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and membrane fouling). It is also essential to define new criteria to characterize the autotrophic microorganisms, as the measurements of apparent removal rates of ammonium seem irrelevant to characterize their specific activity. Two experiments (A and B) have been carried on a 30 L lab scale membrane bioreactor with low COD/N ratio (2.3 and 1.5). The obtained results clearly indicate the role of the COD/N ratio on the biomass distribution and performance of the membrane bioreactor. New specific criteria for characterising the autotrophic microorganisms activity, is also defined as the ratio of maximum ammonium rate to the specific oxygen uptake rate in the endogenous state for autotrophic bacteria which seem to be constant whatever the operating conditions are. They are about 24.5 to 23.8 gN-NH4+/gO(2), for run A and B, respectively. Moreover, the filterability of the biological suspension appear significantly lower, specific resistance to filtration and membrane fouling rate are less than 10(14) m(-2) and 0.07 10(12) m(-1). d(-1) respectively, than in conventional MBR confirming the adv < antage of the membrane bioreactor functioning under low COD/N ratio.