ABSTRACT
The membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is an advanced biological treatment process which has been increasingly adopted for the treatment of industrial and municipal effluents. MBR technology is considered a mature technology since it has been widely implemented for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater. Only specific polymers are suitable for membrane filtration in MBRs. This material includes polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylsulfone, polyethylene, and polypropylene. In several cases the metal removal is significant showing that the trace metals are mainly in particulate form. As far as heavy metals and metalloids are concerned, the processes of adsorption on activated sludge and precipitation in conjunction with the complete rejection of suspended solids and of colloidal matter may enhance their removal compared to conventional activated sludge. Limited information exists concerning the occurrence, fate and removal of trace uranium in/from urban wastewaters.
