Zeolite‑integrated airlift membrane bioreactor for citrus processing wastewater: enhanced COD removal and fouling mitigation
Abstract
Citrus-processing wastewater (CPWW) is challenging to treat due to low pH, high organic load, and inhibitory effects of d-limonene, which suppress biological activity and exacerbate membrane fouling. Conventional membrane bioreactors (MBRs) often fail under these conditions. This study presents an innovative split-plate airlift MBR integrated with zeolite. Zeolite acts both as an adsorbent and a support promoting additional biofilm development, offering a treatment advantage rarely demonstrated for real CPWW. Despite operating at a modestly higher organic loading rate (3.53 vs. 3.04 kg COD·m-³ d−1, ∼16% increase), the zeolite-assisted MBR consistently achieved >98% COD removal and permeate COD
Fields of Study & Subjects
Membrane Separation Technologies
Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Removal
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology
- Volume
- 56
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 1831–1840
- Publication date
- 28 February 2026
- Language
- EN