Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) are treatment processes, which integrate a perm-selective or semi-permeable membrane with a biological process (JUDD 2011). It is the combination of a membrane process like microfiltration or ultrafiltration with a suspended growth bioreactor, and is now widely used for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment with plant sizes up to 80’000 population equivalents (BEDDOW 2010). Due to it being a very technical solution; it needs expert design and skilled workers. Furthermore it is a costly but efficient treatment possibility. With the MBR technology, it is possible to upgrade old wastewater plants.

• econdary clarifiers and tertiary filtration processes are eliminated, thereby reducing plant footprint.
• In certain instances, footprint can be further reduced because other process units such as digesters or UV disinfection can also be eliminated/ minimised.
• Can be designed to prolong sludge age, hence lower sludge production.
• High effluent quality
• igh loading rate capability

• igh operation and capital costs (membranes)
• Membrane complexity and fouling
• Energy costs