Approaching Breakthrough: Resource-Efficient Micropollutant Removal with MBR-GAC Configuration
Source abstract
Abstract
The removal of micropollutants from municipal wastewater is crucial to mitigate negative environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems. However, existing advanced treatment techniques often require extensive fossil resources to achieve the targeted removal of a broad range of micropollutants. This study presents the combination of Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) and subsequent Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters as a resource-efficient solution. Based on long-term pilot studies at a municipal WWTP in Stockholm, Sweden, this investigation explores the MBR-GAC configuration as a sustainable alternative for quaternary treatment at WWTPs. Results from over three years demonstrate a high removal efficiency of over 80% for targeted pharmaceuticals and other organic micropollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), from the WWTP inlet to the outlet. The synergy between MBR and GAC technologies provides this high removal efficiency with considerably lower resource consumption and cost compared to traditional GAC installations. No breakthrough of micropollutants has been observed to date indicating even better resource efficiency than presented in this paper.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Membrane Separation Technologies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Box 210 60, 100 31 Stockholm, Sweden
SYVAB AB, 147 92 Grödinge, Sweden
Funding
Swedish EPA · Foundation IVL · Syvab
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