A new concept of aerobic membrane bioreactors for highly efficient wastewater treatment has been disclosed by introduction of a novel electro and encapsulated self-forming dynamic biomembrane (living membrane® – LM). The biological filtering membrane is intercalated between two woven polyester fabrics as supports that assist the formation and protect the biomembrane. The innovative architecture of the electro living membrane bioreactor (e-LMBR) in combination with electrocoagulation processes resulted in efficient and cost-effective wastewater treatment and into an unprecedented control of the membrane fouling.

The performance of the novel e-LMBR was compared to a yet highly efficient LMBR, where the electric field was not present. The LM-based reactors both showed comparable results in the removal of organic matter, in terms of COD and DOC. On the other hand, e-LMBR exceeded the performance of the LMBR in the reduction of nitrogen- and phosphorous- containing pollutants, responsible for eutrophication processes in the environment, and recalcitrant molecules, such as humic-like substances. In addition, an extremely low fouling rate was observed for the e-LMBR bioreactor.

Insights on the biological processes involved in the novel MBR were provided by investigations on the microbiological diversity found in reactor mixed liquor, LM layer and treated wastewater.