Electrochemical membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment

Integration of the electrochemical and membrane filtration processes in water and wastewater treatments systems has been shown to enhance the removal of conventional and nonconventional pollutants from wastewater. In addition, this integration reduces the rate of membrane fouling, rejects pollutants more effectively, and improves clean water generation. This book chapter provides an update on the progress of application of electrochemical membrane bioreactors (eMBRs) for treatment of wastewaters of different organic loadings. Different mechanisms of enhanced pollutant removal and membrane fouling mitigation, notably electrocoagulation, electrophoresis, electroosmosis, electrooxidation, and quorum sensing regulation are discussed in this chapter. A summary of configurations, electrode materials, and operating conditions in recent studies is also presented. Recent studies have examined the performance of eMBRs in the treatment not only of municipal wastewater but also of high organic strength wastewaters. Recent findings also show that electrochemical processes can affect the microbiological activity, richness, and diversity in the eMBRs. The implications of changes of the microbial community to the reactors’ performances are also discussed. Finally, the main challenges in the eMBR operation for full-scale application are also highlighted.