Process optimisation and fouling control in membrane bioreactors for wastewater and drinking water treatment

The research project MBR-TRAIN provides an Early Stage Research Training on process optimisation and fouling control in membrane bioreactors for water treatment. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) which combine biological treatment with a membrane separation step are among the most promising emerging technologies in the water treatment sector.

As membrane fouling has been identified as a major barrier to sustainable MBR application, MBR-TRAIN undertakes dedicated efforts to characterise and investigate both biological and physico-technical aspects of this phenomenon and to develop strategies to control it. The overall aim is to optimise the operation of MBRs taking into account inter alia membrane types, materials and configuration, operational settings as well as economic aspect. The findings shall be used to advance the modelling of MBR processes in order to improve the prediction of plant performance. The scope of the offered research projects ranges from laboratory scale experimental set-ups to pilot- and full-scale operational plants.

Developing MBR technology is an interdisciplinary task. Understanding the mutual interactions between biological system and membrane separation requires knowledge in a combination of fields as diverse as analytical chemistry, microbiology, polymer and surface science, fluid dynamics, systems technology, civil and chemical engineering. Hence the consortium of MBR TRAIN comprises 10 partners from the water-industry, research institutes and universities across Europe representing a cross-section of relevant disciplines, sectors and regions. Due to its consortium composition, the MBR-TRAIN project provides an ideal framework for young researchers to prepare for future assignments in intersectorial tasks pursuing a research career in both academic institutions and industrial enterprises.

MBR-TRAIN offers the young researchers a well organised and structured training programme in a technology field of growing relevance. They will benefit from a tutored PhD thesis work with additional scientific training offered in short-courses or workshops. The exchange of personnel between the participating institutions will train adapting to work in different research structures. In order to bring benefit to the researchers' careers beyond a merely scientific formation, MBR-TRAIN will provide training on complementary skills such as presentation techniques, communication skills, intellectual property rights or research project management.