Thesis Archive
Performance evaluation of a laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor for potential use in secondary wastewater treatment in the Philippines
Dela Cruz, Kyle Grace
Mangaoang, Kaye Danesca
Ropa, Joseph Andrew
Abstract:
Water security is an alarming issue as it is affected by population growth and water pollution. New policies have been released in different countries to addressed water pollution. In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) established new water quality and effluent standards that requires compliance from numerous industries, utilities as well as municipalities. Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) is an emerging wastewater technology that can satisfy stringent effluent quality using biological treatment and membrane technology. Taking this into account, this study was conducted to investigate the performance of MBR systems and its compliance with established effluent standard. This study will be conducted using a reversed A2O MBR system. Samples will be gathered from the influent, effluent, and each chamber of the system and analyzed for the parameters COD, BOD, TSS, ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates. Should the results comply with the new standards, it can help promote the use of MBR system to wastewater treatment facilities in the Philippines. The study was conducted for 80 days and was divided into two phases: BNRT phase (48 days) and BNRT-MBR phase (32 days). Comparison between the two phases shows that the addition of a membrane to a BNRT system increases the removal of suspended solids and organics. Comparison between the DAO 2016-08 standards and the effluent of the system was also conducted. For the TSS parameter, 5 out of 12 samples (41.67%) complied with standards. 1 out of 2 samples (50%) for BOD, 9 out of 12 samples (75%) for COD, 1 out of 12 samples (8.33%) for ammonia, and 2 out of 12 samples (16.67%) for nitrates, were also able to comply with the standards. On the other hand, none of the effluent samples for phosphates were able to comply with the DAO standards. Different changes to the system and to the duration of the study were suggested to further improve the removal and compliance of the system.
Adviser:
BELTRAN, Arnel B.