MBR Performance in a Rubber Smoked Sheet Plant: A Case Study of Small Agricultural Cooperatives

Abstract

This study sought to examine the efficacy of a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) in treating wastewater derived from Rubber Smoke Sheets. The MBR was operated with a relaxation mode employing on/off cycle durations of 5 min on and 1 min off. To this end, the MBR was subjected to aeration on/off cycles set at 45 min/15 min, maintaining a constant flux of 10 m3m−2 h−1. The operational parameters included a Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 16 h and a Solids Retention Time (SRT) of 30 days. The critical parameter influencing membrane fouling was identified as Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) concentration, which was stipulated not to exceed 10 g L−1. Performance criteria for the MBR were defined as achieving a removal efficiency exceeding 90%. The Activated Sludge Model No. 3 (ASM3), modified with Soluble Microbial Products (SMP), was applied to fit the experimental data set. The primary biokinetic mechanisms identified were the storage mechanism and influent fraction, governing metabolic processes and fouling in the system. This emphasises the MBR’s capability to provide high-quality treated water even in the face of challenging industrial wastewater conditions.