My community is considering reclaiming wastewater. How do membranes apply?
Membranes now play a prominent role in wastewater reclamation, primarily in two ways. First, membrane filtration can be added to a secondary wastewater treatment plant to provide tertiary effluent for reclamation. Membranes provide a higher, more reliable standard of treatment than media or cloth filters. This is especially important when the reclaimed water is planned for unrestricted use where potential for human contact exists (e.g., irrigation of golf courses, parks or schools). Under those circumstances, it is reassuring to know that there is a positive barrier between pathogens and the public. Second, membrane bioreactors (MBR) are taking on an increasing role in wastewater reclamation for good reason. The MBR process uses membranes to replace secondary clarifiers. Following the activated sludge process, hollow fiber membranes are immersed in mixed liquor. Vacuum pumps create suction on the membranes which separates the treated effluent from the mixed liquor. The MBR process oper
