Zero net growth in a membrane bioreactor with complete sludge retention

A bench-scale membrane bioreactor was operated with complete sludge retention in order to evaluate biological processes and biomass characteristics over the long term. The investigation was carried out by feeding a bench-scale plant with real sewage under constant volumetric loading rate (VLR=1.2 gCOD Lreact−1 h−1). Biological processes were monitored by measuring substrate removal efficiencies and biomass-related parameters. The latter included bacterial activity as determined through respirometric tests specifically aimed at investigating long term heterotrophic and nitrifying activity. After about 180 days under the imposed operating conditions, the system reached equilibrium conditions with constant VSS concentration of 16–18 g L−1, organic loading rate (OLR) below 0.1 gCOD gVSS−1 d−1 and specific respiration rates of 2–3 mgO2 gVSS−1 h−1. These conditions were maintained for more than 150 days, confirming that an equilibrium had been achieved between biomass growth, endogenous metabolism, and solubilization of inorganic materials.