Synergistic approach for enhanced wastewater treatment: Harnessing the potential of bioelectrochemical systems in integration with anaerobic membrane bioreactors

Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology emerges as a groundbreaking solution for domestic wastewater treatment, offering high effluent quality and substantial potential for neutral or positive energy balances. This is achieved through the production of renewable methane biogas, concurrently reducing aeration and sludge handling costs. Despite these strides, fouling mitigation persists as a pivotal challenge, constituting a significant portion of membrane-based bioreactors energy requirements. In response, AnMBR technology has evolved through seamless integration with bioelectrochemical systems (BES), specifically microbial fuel and electrolysis cells. This integration aims to address fouling challenges while enhancing resource recovery from wastewater. In this context, the paper centers on key performance parameters, including removal efficiency, fouling mitigation strategies, and biogas generation, shedding light on the latest advancements in these integrated technologies. By scrutinizing recent progress, it identifies research gaps and needs, emphasizing potential optimizations such as integrating granular sludge or catalytic electrodes for micropollutant degradation. Overall, this review contributes to a deeper understanding and advocates for the broader application of the integrated AnMBR-BES approach, playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable wastewater treatment.