It is often said and with good reasons that the way we do things nowadays is totally controlled by technology. That is the fact but what many do not even consider are the different pieces of technology that truly make life a lot easier for us all. Talking of products of technology that are not well known, the membrane bioreactor easily comes to mind. For many of those reading this, the first question that will pop from their mouths is: what is a membrane bioreactor? This piece will talk about not only what a membrane bioreactor is, but it will also talk about five really interesting things about it that everyone should know about.

1. Definition: A membrane bioreactor (also called MBR) is actually a system based on membrane process of filtration complete with an inbuilt system for decontaminating and purifying wastewater and sewage. It is called a bioreactor because it employs biological methods to get this treatment done.

2. Uses: Based on the definition provided above, it is quite easy and straightforward for many to be able to point out what a membrane bioreactor is used for. However, for those who may still need this to be spelled out, a membrane reactor is used primarily in towns and cities for the removal of contaminants from polluted wastewater and sewage. With the help of MBR systems, it becomes very possible for effluent and other forms of waste liquids to be safely poured into natural water bodies or even piped for other uses.

3. Environment-Friendly: Owing to the fact that membrane bioreactor systems do not make use of chemicals and other synthetic materials but only biological substances, they are much better for the environment. At a time when people are becoming more concerned about the impact of human activities on the environment and on the climate, MBR systems are gaining acceptance all over the globe.

A very good example in this regard is the MBR project being done in Stockholm, Sweden via a partnership between Henriksdal Wastewater Treatment Plant and SUEZ’s Water Technologies and Solutions and it aims to be the largest in the world. This project is designed in a way that meets all environmental standards. There are very stringent regulations put in place by the European Union regarding effluent discharges and this MBR system meets all the regulations put in place. So, if there is any wastewater treatment system that really cares about the environment and is vital for our future, it will be the membrane bioreactor system and it is no surprise that many countries are showing renewed interest in it.  

4. Not New: Although some may be hearing of membrane bioreactor technology for the first time in their lives or they may even think it is the latest technology, the truth of the matter is that this technology is not new. In fact, microfiltration and ultrafiltration membrane bioreactor systems have been around since the 1960s so it cannot be considered to be new. However, of recent, it is gaining more prominence owing to the fact that there is greater awareness now concerning the environment and the impact of human activities.

5. Increasing Sophistication: Today, whole membrane bioreactor systems used by industries, factors or government waste treatment facilities are so advanced and sophisticated that many of them are controlled by computers. The incorporation of computers into these systems allows for greater efficiency by minimizing human errors. Membrane bioreactor systems have served us well and it looks like they are not going to go away any time soon as more corporations and countries are utilizing them in the treatment of wastewater and other forms of liquid discharges.