Architecture, component, and microbiome of biofilm involved in the fouling of membrane bioreactors.

ABSTRACT: Biofilm formation on the filtration membrane and the subsequent clogging of membrane pores (called biofouling) is one of the most persistent problems in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment and reclamation. Here, we investigated the structure and microbiome of fouling-related biofilms in the membrane bioreactor using non-destructive confocal reflection microscopy and high-throughput Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Direct confocal reflection microscopy indicated that the thin biofilms were formed and maintained regardless of the increasing transmembrane pressure, which is a common indicator of membrane fouling, at low organic-loading rates. Their solid components were primarily extracellular polysaccharides and microbial cells. In contrast, high organic-loading rates resulte

SUBMITTER: Inaba T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5445582 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature