Use of Membrane Bioreactor for Medical Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

In this study, a lab scale modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) type submerged membrane bioreactor (MLE-type MBR) system is studied to treat a hospital wastewater to remove organic matter as well as nitrogen. During the operation period, the BOD5 and COD removal efficiency is higher than 98 and 90%, respectively regardless of the fluctuation in influent quality. In addition, the results show excellent removal of nitrogen, pathogen and TSS with average of 96, 98.33 and 99.5%, respectively. The MLE-MBR system produces high quality effluent which can achieve the Iraqi limits for irrigation purpose for all measured parameters.