Application of MBBR fillers in extreme environments: Challenges and opportunities

MBBR (moving bed biofilm reactor) technology, as an efficient sewage biological treatment technology, has been widely used worldwide due to its unique advantages. However, in some extreme environments, such as high salinity, high pH, ​​low temperature, etc., whether the performance of MBBR fillers is stable and whether they can effectively remove pollutants has always been a hot topic of research.

Effects of extreme environments on MBBR fillers

High salinity environment:

Inhibition of microbial activity: High salinity environment will destroy the structure of cell membranes, inhibit the growth and metabolic activity of microorganisms, and affect the formation of biofilms.

Corrosion of filler materials: Certain salt ions may corrode filler materials, reduce the specific surface area and porosity of fillers, and thus affect the attachment and growth of biofilms.

High pH environment:

Changes in microbial communities: Extreme pH will change the community structure of microorganisms. Only acid- and alkali-resistant microorganisms can survive, limiting the efficiency of biodegradation.

Changes in filler material properties: High pH environments may cause changes in the physical properties of filler materials, such as dissolution, expansion or contraction, affecting the performance of fillers.

Low temperature environment:

Reduced metabolic rate of microorganisms: Low temperature will reduce the metabolic rate of microorganisms and affect the degradation rate of organic matter.

Slow biofilm formation: Under low temperature conditions, the formation rate of biofilm is slow, which affects the startup and stable operation of the system.

Adaptability of MBBR fillers in extreme environments

Development of salt-tolerant fillers: Researchers have developed a variety of salt-tolerant fillers, such as modified polymer fillers, ceramic fillers, etc., which improve the stability of fillers in high salinity environments.

Screening of acid- and alkali-resistant microorganisms: Through screening and domestication, acid- and alkali-resistant microbial strains can be obtained to construct stable biofilms.

Optimization of low-temperature bioreactors: By optimizing the structure and process parameters of the reactor, such as increasing the aeration volume and increasing the hydraulic shear force, the efficiency of biological reactions under low temperature conditions can be improved.

Application prospects of MBBR fillers in extreme environments

Treatment of high-concentration organic wastewater: MBBR technology has advantages in treating high-concentration organic wastewater, especially in some extreme environments, such as industrial wastewater treatment with high salinity and high pH.

Bioremediation in extreme environments: MBBR technology can be used for bioremediation of contaminated soil and water, especially in some extreme environments, such as saline-alkali land, acidic mine wastewater, etc.

Pollution control in polar and deep-sea environments: MBBR technology has potential application value in pollution control in extreme environments such as polar and deep-sea.

Further research directions

Research and development of new extreme environment resistant fillers: Develop new filler materials with higher specific surface area, stronger mechanical strength and more corrosion resistance.

Research on microbial communities in extreme environments: In-depth study of the ecological characteristics of microorganisms in extreme environments, screening and cultivating efficient microbial strains.

Optimization of MBBR process: Optimize MBBR process parameters for different extreme environments to improve the stability and efficiency of the system.

Application of coupling with other technologies: Couple MBBR technology with other technologies, such as membrane separation technology, electrochemical technology, etc., to improve treatment efficiency and reduce costs.