Extractive membrane bioreactors EMBR

Application of extractive membrane bioreactor (EMBR) for the treatment ofVOC-laden wastewater. Air stripping oftheVOCs is prevented since VOCs and Oj diffuse into the biofilm (where the biodegradation process occurs) from opposite directions. 

Based on the list of literature reviewed in this chapter, it can be pointed out that a comparatively limited number of studies on cell-immobilized membrane reactors (Table 20.3) and extractive membrane bioreactors (Table 20.8) have been conducted. Studies only from certain research groups who targeted a limited number of recalcitrant compounds (predominantly phenol) are available. Currently only a few publications on these topics are published each year. This obviously is an impediment to progress in their scale-up. Major hurdles for a commercial realization of EMBRs are the cost of silicone rubber membranes and other difficulties associated with the scaling up process. The development and implementation of these systems at an industrial scale requires a broader as well as in-depth understanding of the core processes. 

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