Anaerobic membrane bioreactors—a mini review with emphasis on industrial wastewater treatment: applications, limitations and perspectives

AbstractAnaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) are increasingly being used in industrial wastewater treatment as the technology represents a cost-effective alternative to that based on aerobic processes. Not only AnMBRs are highly efficient in reducing chemical oxygen demand but the organic matter removed is transformed into a useful energy source—biogas. AnMBRs produce effluent that is free of solids and pathogens and rich in nutrients, while occupying a small footprint. As the membrane retains biomass, AnMBRs enhance performance when dealing with inhibitory or toxic substrates, typical of industrial wastewaters. Some drawbacks remain, however, including membrane fouling and its associated effects as well as poor efficiency at lower temperature (AnMBRs are usually operated at mesophilic or thermophilic conditions). Further research is needed on lowering hydraulic retention time, removal of nutrients, removal of specific micro-pollutants, establishing quantitative mass and energy/economic balances and in...