Use of Membrane Bio-Reactor and Activated Sludge to Remove COD and BOD from Sewage Water in Saudi Arabia

摘要

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the use of membrane bioreactor (MBR) in combination with activated sludge for the reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) from sewage water using a pilot scale plant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Application of activated sludge coupled with MBR significantly reduced both the COD and BOD of treated sewage water. Overall, mean reduction of COD and BOD was 98.5% and 96%, respectively. Although, there was a decreasing trend in both the BOD and COD reduction from activated sludge stage to final treated water but the difference was not significant. The COD and BOD concentrations in the final treated water were within maximum permissible limits for irrigation. In conclusion, use of MBR and activated sludge proved to be safe and feasible sewage water treatment technology applicable in small community places where the sewage water production is limited and can easily be handled at least for landscape development for community service with minimal health and environmental hazards.