Vibrating membrane bioreactors enhance nutrient removal and energy efficiency in municipal wastewater treatment

Abstract

Abstract Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are widely applied in municipal wastewater treatment, yet their broader adoption has been constrained by energy-intensive aeration and membrane fouling. Here, we report approximately 800 consecutive days of full-scale (7500 m 3 d −1 ) parallel operation of the vibrating MBR (VMBR) and the conventional aerated MBR (AMBR) systems, systematically comparing their pollutant removal performance, long-term filtration stability, membrane fouling mechanisms, and full life cycle environmental impacts. Results showed that the VMBR demonstrated enhanced nutrient removal, lowering effluent total nitrogen by 22% and reducing the chemical dosage for phosphorus removal by 40% compared with the AMBR. It also exhibited enhanced fouling resistance, with a 20% higher average specific flux than that of the AMBR throughout the operation. Mechanism analysis revealed that the VMBR generated effective, uniform shear at the membrane surface while preserving the sludge floc structure, thereby mitigating membrane fouling. Consequently, the VMBR reduced specific energy consumption for fouling control by 75% and the overall carbon footprint by 30%. We validate that VMBRs represent a scalable, energy-efficient and sustainable technology for future wastewater treatment.