Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) are commonly understood as the combination of membrane filtration and biological treatment using activated sludge. Development of a biofilm-MBR has been investigated combining a moving-bed-biofilm reactor with a submerged membrane biomass separation reactor. Treatment efficiencies were found to be high with the production of a consistent high-quality effluent, irrespective of loading rates on the bioreactor or membrane reactor operating modes. Membrane performance (fouling) is a function of the biofilm reactor effluent quality and varies with loading rates (HRT). Sustainable operation was found to correlate to the fate of the submicron particle size fraction throughout the treatment process.
LEIKNES, T.O. ODEGARD, H. (2006): The Development of a Biofilm Membrane Bioreactor. Trondheim: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]Library
The information service on biogas technology has been developed and produced on the behalf of the GTZ project Information and Advisory Service on Appropriate Technology (ISAT). Volume II emphasises the design and operation of biogas plants.
ISAT ; GTZ (1999): Biogas - Application and Product Development. (= Biogas Digest , 2 ). Information and Advisory Services on Appropriate Technology (ISAT) and German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) GmbH URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]This publication describes the operation and demonstration of environmentally sound technologies, reducing the consumption of water and targeting a closure of nutrient loops in a quarter of Hannover (including housings, a school, a church and industries). Environmental technology was combined with environmental education and awareness raising, particularly for the neighbourhood and the local youth. Applied technologies for the water cycle are: constructed wetlands, bio-reactors, mini wastewater treatment plant using rotating biological contactor technology for the greywater, rainwater reservoirs, urine diverting toilets, vacuum toilets, waterless urinals, and greywater evaporation beds. Further, block heat and solar power units were installed and ecological construction materials were used.
GTZ (2005): Oeko-Technik-Park Hannover, Germany. (= data sheets for ecosan projects , 7 ). Eschborn: German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]This brochure of the MBR manufacturer KUBOTA gives an overview of how MBR systems work.
KUBOTA (2010): KUBOTA Submerged Membrane Unit. London: Kubota Membrane Europe URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]The introduction of oxygen into wastewater for nitrification requires a large amount of energy. Furthermore, the carbon source is often limited in wastewater, so purchasing of carbon source (typically methanol) is necessary too. A newly discovered anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) may circumvent the limitations and open up a new possibility for nitrogen removal from wastewater. The alternative approach is a microbiological involved activity, which requires less energy and enables more efficiency on N removal.
XING, Y. CLARK, I.D. (n.y): Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation in Waste Water - An Isotope Hydrological Perspective. Ottawa: University of Ottawa URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]Technical information on the advantages and main technologies of anaerobic digestion treatment for wastewaters in developing countries.
GATE (2001): Anaerobic Methods of Municipal Wastewater Treatment. Technical Information W3e. Frankfurt (Germany): GATE Information Service and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]This article gives an overview of the Anammox process and how it was discovered.
SHIVARAMAN, N. ; SHIVARAMAN, G. (2003): Anammox – A Novel Microbial Process for Ammonium Removal. In: Current Science: Volume 84 , 1507-1508. URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]The purpose of this manual is to provide updated, state‐of‐the‐technology design guidance on nitrogen and phosphorus control at municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). This manual contains extensive information on the principles of biological nutrient removal and chemical phosphorus removal to serve as the basis for design. A detailed description of technologies, both conventional and emerging, serves as a resource for preliminary technology selection.
U.S. EPA (2010): Nutrient Control Design Manual. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]The Anammox reaction was discovered and validated to be mediated by microbes in the early nineties. In 1999, the responsible bacteria were positively identified. These slowly growing microorganisms belong to the order Brocadiales and are affiliated to the Planctomycetes. Cultivation of these bacteria at sufficient biomass density and rate, as well as the lack of pure cultures, has challenged the study of these extraordinary organisms. Membrane reactors have made the cultivation of up to 95% enriched cell suspensions of Anammox bacteria possible.
KUENEN, J.G. KARTAL, B. JETTEN, M.S.M. (n.y): The Discovery of the Anammox Process and Beyond. Pasadena: The Agouron Institute URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]Short Factsheet on the applicability and design criteria of trickling filters including a lot of information on operation and maintenance (form the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
U.S. EPA (2000): Trickling Filters. (= Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet, EPA 832-F , 14 ). United States Environment Protection Agency URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]This brochure gives you an overview about several wastewater treatment solutions.
AQWISE (2010): Integrated Water & Wastewater Treatment Solutions. Herzliya: Aqwise - Wise Water Technologies Ltd URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]This technical factsheet describes the treatment of wastes through anaerobic digestion and biogas production at large-scale in a very comprehensive way. The treatment of different wastes, including sewage sludge, agricultural and industrial wastes or solid municipal wastes, is emphasised.
GATE (2000): Anaerobic Methods of Waste Treatment. Technical Information W2e. Frankfurt (Germany): German Agency for Technical Cooperation GmbH (GTZ) and German Appropriate Technology Exchange (GATE) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]Exhaustive report on technological, operational and economic aspects of decentralised waste water treatment systems. Spreadsheet examples support the reader in designing and planning waste water treatment systems components.
SASSE, L. BORDA (1998): DEWATS. Decentralised Wastewater Treatment in Developing Countries. Bremen: Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]Case study about a combined pond / constructed wetland system in cold climate for 160 peoples, a dairy and food processing workshop, a bakery and a laundry. A vertical flow constructed wetlands was installed for pre-treatment, followed by a deep enhanced facultative pond, three aerated stabilization ponds, a planted sand filter and finally tow horizontal-flow constructed wetlands.
BROWNE, P.D. ; JENSSEN, P.D. (2005): Exceeding Tertiary Standards with a Pond/Reed Bed System in Norway. In: Journal of Water Science and Technology: Volume 51 , 299-306. URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]Scientific article on advanced integrated wastewater pond systems.
GREEN, F.B. ; BERNSTONE, L.S. ; LUNDQUIST, T.J. ; OSWALD, W.J. (1996): Advanced Integrated Wastewater Pond Systems for Nitrogen Removal. In: Water Science and Technology : Volume 33 , 207-217. URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]This project aimed to reduce drinking water consumption and wastewater amount to be discharged to sewer through recycling greywater for internal re-use in a four star hotel in Germany. A new greywater biological treatment technology was trailed and demonstrated for the first time: Greywater from baths/showers in the guest rooms is separately collected and transferred to settling tanks. After preliminary sedimentation the greywater is treated continuously in a six-stage Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system.
GTZ (2006): Greywater recycling in Hotel Arabella Sheraton Am Buesing Palais Offenbach, Germany. (= data sheets for ecosan projects , 18 ). Eschborn: German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) URL [Accessed: 03.06.2019]