Featured research (1)

This study investigated the effects of aeration and scouring strategies on the performance of Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs) and the distribution of oxygen and nitrous oxide in the biofilm. Four flat sheet MABRs were operated with synthetic feed under different conditions: two with intermittent aeration (iMABR) and two with continuous aeration (cMABR). Scouring was induced by bubbling dinitrogen gas through the reactor bulk at low and high frequencies (LF and HF). In the iMABRs, a partial nitritation biofilm initially developed, but the biofilm adapted to the aeration strategy over time and became nitrifying. The cMABRs directly developed a nitrifying biofilm without a significant phase of partial nitritation. Limiting oxygen availability improved the overall performance with regards to total nitrogen (TN) removal by providing a better environment for anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) while limiting complete nitrification. Oxygen profiles were measured in the iMABR over time at different biofilms depths, showing that intermittent aeration led to various oxygen concentrations and temporal variations in the oxygen availabilities at different depths of the biofilm. Also, N2O emissions from the MABRs differed greatly between the different systems, but still remained lower compared to other reactor configurations for nitrogen removal, making the MABR technology a worthy alternative. The results showed large differences between the operating strategies of the MABRs and can help to gain more insight into the specific properties of MABRs for nitrogen removal.

Lab head

Susanne Lackner
Department
  • Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences (Dept.13)

Members (7)

Shelesh Agrawal
  • Technical University of Darmstadt
Thomas Fundneider
  • Technical University of Darmstadt
Laura Orschler
  • Technical University of Darmstadt
Franziska Kirchen
  • Technical University of Darmstadt
Philipp Bunse
  • Technical University of Darmstadt
Tobias Kaiser
  • Technical University of Darmstadt
Kira Zachmann
  • Technical University of Darmstadt
Jochen Sinn
Jochen Sinn
  • Not confirmed yet

Alumni (1)

Luz Alejo
  • Technical University of Darmstadt