Abstract

JIMENEZ-AQUIZA, Tahimi et al. Potential for the application of membrane bioreactor technology in the Cuban dairy industries. RTQ [online]. 2023, vol.43, n.1, pp. 173-203.  Epub Jan 25, 2023. ISSN 2224-6185.

This paper examines the use of membrane bioreactor technology (MBRs) in the treatment of wastewater generated in the dairy industry. These wastewaters have physicochemical and microbiological characteristics that require specialized treatments; biological processes are the most recommended because of their cost-effectiveness, efficiency of elimination and high environmental friendliness. MBRs combine the biological degradation process with membrane filtration, obtaining a high quality effluent. They can be aerobic or anaerobic, highlighting that when the process occurs anaerobically, by-products such as biogas and biofertilizers are generated, in addition to the possibility of direct reuse of the effluent in secondary processes of the industry, which constitutes an approach to the biorefinery concept. Different investigations have shown organic matter and total suspended solids (TSS) removal values in the ranges of 90 - 99 % and 85 - 100 %, respectively, compared to conventional biological treatment processes, which only reach up to 80 %. Emphasis is placed on the type of membranes used and their particularities due to their impact on the quality of the final effluent, being microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) the most commonly used to treat dairy wastewater. These premises make membrane bioreactor technology a viable option for the treatment of wastewater generated in the dairy industry in Cuba.

Keywords : technology; membrane bioreactors; wastewater; dairy industry; biorefinery.

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