<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This work investigates the suitability of membrane aerated biological reactors (MABRs) for biological treatment of a space-based waste stream consisting of urine, hygiene/grey water, and humidity condensate within an overall water recycling system. Water represents a critical limiting factor for human habitation and travel within space; thus, water recycling systems are essential. Biological treatment of wastewater provides a more efficient sustainable means of stabilizing the waste stream within water recycling system architectures in comparison to current chemical stabilization processes that utilize harsh chemicals, which represent both a hazardous and an unsustainable approach. To assess the capabilities of MABRs for providing microgravity compatible biological treatment and verify long duration operation and integration with desalination processes, two full-scale MABR systems were challenged with various loading rates and operational scenarios during sustained operation for over 1 year. The MABRs were able to maintain 196 g-C/m3-d and 194 g-N/m3-d volumetric conversion rates. Additionally the systems were able to handle intermittent loading and recover rapidly from system hibernation periods of up to 27 days. Overall, the use of MABRs within a wastewater treatment system architecture provides several potential benefits including minimizing the use of toxic chemical pretreatment solutions and providing an effluent solution that is easier to desalinate and dewater.</abstract>

This work investigates the suitability of membrane aerated biological reactors (MABRs) for biological treatment of a space-based waste stream consisting of urine, hygiene/grey water, and humidity condensate within an overall water recycling system. Water represents a critical limiting factor for human habitation and travel within space; thus, water recycling systems are essential. Biological treatment of wastewater provides a more efficient sustainable means of stabilizing the waste stream within water recycling system architectures in comparison to current chemical stabilization processes that utilize harsh chemicals, which represent both a hazardous and an unsustainable approach. To assess the capabilities of MABRs for providing microgravity compatible biological treatment and verify long duration operation and integration with desalination processes, two full-scale MABR systems were challenged with various loading rates and operational scenarios during sustained operation for over 1 year. The MABRs were able to maintain 196 g-C/m3-d and 194 g-N/m3-d volumetric conversion rates. Additionally the systems were able to handle intermittent loading and recover rapidly from system hibernation periods of up to 27 days. Overall, the use of MABRs within a wastewater treatment system architecture provides several potential benefits including minimizing the use of toxic chemical pretreatment solutions and providing an effluent solution that is easier to desalinate and dewater.

Assessment of Membrane-Aerated Biological Reactors (MABRs) for Integration into Space-Based Water Recycling System Architectures

Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering

Gravitational and Space Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

This work investigates the suitability of membrane aerated biological reactors (MABRs) for biological treatment of a space-based waste stream consisting of...

Assessment of Membrane-Aerated Biological Reactors (MABRs) for Integration into Space-Based Water Recycling System Architectures

Article Category: Research Article

Published Online: Jul 21, 2020

Page range: 12 - 27

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2018-0007

Keywords
Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor, MABR, Low C:N Ratio Waste, Nitrification, Partial Nitrification, Space Wastewater, High Strength Wastewater, Water Reuse

© 2018 Dylan Christenson et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Assessment of Membrane-Aerated Biological Reactors (MABRs) for Integration into Space-Based Water Recycling System Architectures

Article Category: Research Article

Published Online: Jul 21, 2020

Page range: 12 - 27

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2018-0007

KeywordsMembrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor, MABR, Low C:N Ratio Waste, Nitrification, Partial Nitrification, Space Wastewater, High Strength Wastewater, Water Reuse

© 2018 Dylan Christenson et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor, MABR, Low C:N Ratio Waste, Nitrification, Partial Nitrification, Space Wastewater, High Strength Wastewater, Water Reuse