Full scale application of the coupled alternate cycles-membrane bioreactor (AC-MBR) process for wastewater reclamation and reuse

The paper deals with the full scale application of the alternate cycles-membrane bioreactor (AC-MBR) process for wastewater reclamation and reuse. The studied plant treats up to 6000 m³/d and is located at Viareggio, central Italy. The validation of the process is presented discussing its behaviour in two different steady state conditions: the first with MLSS of some 8 g/l at 18.7 Celsius degrees, and the second with some 6 g/l at 24.3 Celsius degrees. Removals of TSS, COD and TN were 100%, >90% and >80%, respectively, while TP removal reached values up to 67% without any chemical precipitation process. The specific energy consumptions were 110÷113 Wh/PE depending mainly on the adopted MLSS.