The removal performance of heavy metals by two experimental full-scale membrane bioreactors (microfiltration and ultrafiltration) and the influence of activated sludge total suspended solid (TSS) concentration were studied under real operational conditions. Influent and effluent Be, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Ba, Sn, Sb, Pb and U concentrations were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. An average contamination rate for most of the analysed heavy metals was observed in raw wastewater, resulting in effluents without limitation for reuse in agricultural destinations according to Spanish law. Removal efficiencies up to 80% were obtained regardless of whether microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes were used, except for As, Mo and Sb. The removal yields of different heavy metals can be strengthened by increasing the activated sludge TSS concentration, mainly at concentrations above 10 g/L.
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Research Article|
February 01 2013
Removal performance of heavy metals in MBR systems and their influence in water reuse
Juan Arévalo
;
1
Technologies for Water Management and Treatment Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, and Water Research Institute, University of Granada, Spain
E-mail: jarevalo@ugr.es
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Luz Marina Ruiz
;
Luz Marina Ruiz
1
Technologies for Water Management and Treatment Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, and Water Research Institute, University of Granada, Spain
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Jorge Pérez
;
Jorge Pérez
1
Technologies for Water Management and Treatment Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, and Water Research Institute, University of Granada, Spain
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Begoña Moreno
;
Begoña Moreno
1
Technologies for Water Management and Treatment Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, and Water Research Institute, University of Granada, Spain
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Miguel Ángel Gómez
Miguel Ángel Gómez
1
Technologies for Water Management and Treatment Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, and Water Research Institute, University of Granada, Spain
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Water Sci Technol (2013) 67 (4): 894-900.
Article history
Received:
July 04 2012
Accepted:
September 24 2012
Citation
Juan Arévalo, Luz Marina Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Begoña Moreno, Miguel Ángel Gómez; Removal performance of heavy metals in MBR systems and their influence in water reuse. Water Sci Technol 1 February 2013; 67 (4): 894–900. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2012.620
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Juan Arévalo, Luz Marina Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Begoña Moreno, Miguel Ángel Gómez; Removal performance of heavy metals in MBR systems and their influence in water reuse. Water Sci Technol 1 February 2013; 67 (4): 894–900. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2012.620
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