Pilot-scale membrane bioreactor and reverse osmosis studies for direct reuse of secondary textile effluents

Post-treatment of secondary wastewater (80% textile, 20% municipal) was tested on a pilot scale low-pressure reverse osmosis (RO) module, to produce a polished effluent to be recycled into the textile factories. Two different flow sheets were used. In the first one, the feed to the RO was pre-treated in a coagulation and filtration unit. In the second one, a ZenoGem® membrrane hollow fibre reactor was used to separate the activated sludge from the permeate which was fed to the RO module. Experimental results are discussed as well as advantages and disadvantages of the two alternatives.