Performance assessment and economic aspects for water reclamation from UASB reactor effluent: Influence of coagulant type and membrane pore size

Author(s)

Ragio, Rodrigo Almeria ; Arantes, Camila Clementina ; Subtil, Eduardo Lucas

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; v. 59, n. 6-9, p. 17-pg., 2024-05-11.

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of coagulant type in coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes and membrane pore size on the performance and economic aspects of water reclamation from UASB reactor effluent. The methodology involved laboratory-scale experiments using two different coagulant types (a modified tannin coagulant, TANm, and a polyaluminum chloride, PACl) and membrane filtration tests with microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF). Compared to PACl, TANm had a smaller effect on the pH, consumed less alkalinity, and generated less sludge. However, PACl was more efficient in removing turbidity (89-97%), organic matter (70-72%), and phosphorus within the dosage range of 25 to 100 mg.L-1. Both membranes achieved high removal rates for turbidity and organic matter. Despite the higher flux decay, the MF system could have higher operating flux and lower fouling resistance. The operating costs were higher for the C/F systems, which was attributed to the cost of coagulants and sludge disposal. The system with MF membranes had a lower total cost, and the estimated payback period for the investment was between 0.73 to 0.24 years, based on the values charged for reuse water. This information can be used to optimize the design and operation of UASB-based water reclamation systems. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/23684-0 - A new approach to wastewater treatment and water and energy recovery: development of an electrochemical conductive membrane bioreactor (EcMBR) operated under Simultaneous Nitrification and Denitrification (SND) condition
• Grantee: Eduardo Lucas Subtil
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/11059-0 - Development of ultrafiltration modules of hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes, polyethersulfone and inorganic nanoparticles, for water and wastewater treatment
• Grantee: José Carlos Mierzwa
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE