The Influence of Shear on Extracellular Polymeric Substance Production in Membrane Bioreactors

The experimental results of the current study show two dominant mechanisms of soluble EPS production in MBRs: (1) erosion of floc-associated EPS and (2) biomass decay caused by predation. Soluble EPS produced by erosion was readily biodegradable while soluble EPS produced by biomass decay which was slowly degradable. It was further demonstrated that mathematical models of soluble EPS production in MBRs should include both erosion of floc-associated EPS and biomass decay. EPS production is tightly linked with fouling in MBRs. The current work demonstrates the link between MBR operation (i.e., level of shear) and EPS production. Ultimately, an understanding of the complex mechanisms of EPS production and their inter-relationship with process parameters will help facilitate the evolution of MBR operational philosophy toward strategies that both minimize the production of biological foulants in addition to reducing the deposition of foulants on the membrane surface.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civl and Environmental Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Menniti, Adrienne L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Eberhard Morgenroth

• Engineering, Environmental

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3363034

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83393