MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR - A NEW TREATMENT TOOL

A new process that combines membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology and p owdered activated carbon (PAC) has been developed at industrial scale. This process denitrifies, removes natural organic matter (NOM) and pe sticides, and disinfects. Dentrification is carried out by heterotroph ic bacteria using ethanol as a carbon source. PAC added to the bioreac tor adsorbs pesticides and a fraction of NOM. The membrane keeps the s olids and high-molecular-weight compounds in the bioreactor by separat ing them from the treated water. Ultrafiltration removes protozoa, bac teria, and viruses, thus achieving disinfection. Chlorine is added to the ultrafiltered water to maintain quality in the distribution system .