Purification of municipal wastewater by subsequent reverse osmosis and anaerobic digestion

Experiments are described in which municipal wastewater is submitted to reverse osmosis. During a test period of two months a tubular apparatus, operated batchwise, maintained its original flux and rejection, the permeate being of good quality as a raw material for drinking water. The wastewater was concentrated 7.7 times. Continuous anaerobic digestion of the brine removed over 90% of the BOD evolving the expected amount of methane. The overall process is considered in its context of environmental and energetic aspects and is compared with a conventional treatment. This reveals clear perspectives for practical application in urban areas.