Potential of Polymeric Aluminum Ferric Sulfate Addition to Improve the Performance of a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor

In order to improve the performance of mixed liquor, Polymeric aluminum ferric sulfate (PAFS) was added to a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR). PAFS addition reduced significantly the rising rate of suction pressure and decreased by 70.8% of the cake resistance. Meanwhile, the mean size of particles in addition of PAFS was much bigger than that in absence of PAFS, which to some extent prevented the pore blocking. Moreover, in the PAFS added SMBR, there were more microorganisms and the larger COD- VSS loading. The observations reveal that PAFS plays an important role in reducing membrane fouling and increasing the removal of organic matter.