Artificial regulation of aerobic and anaerobic layers interface enhanced efficient nitrogen removal by weaving insulating grid and conductive carbon fiber in membrane aerated biofilm reactor.

Abstract

Artificial regulation of aerobic and anaerobic biofilm thickness is crucial for enhancing nitrogen removal efficiency of the membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR). In this study, conductive aeration membrane modules were fabricated by physical weaving technology to couple MABR with microbial electrochemistry for efficient nitrogen removal. Insulating grids of different thickness and conductive carbon fibers were woven onto the aeration membrane to form aerobic and anaerobic layers. When the total biofilm thickness reached 254 μm (150 μm aerobic layer and 104 μm anaerobic layer), the TN removal efficiency (89.49 ± 2.89 %) was optimal. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics analysis confirmed that the aerobic and anaerobic layers in the biofilm were completely separated, but there was a synergistic effect in nitrogen removal. The composite cathode structure provides a mechanism for efficient spatial coupling between the aerobic and anaerobic layers, establishing a basis for regulating biofilm stratification.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134074

PubMed

41611023

Journal

Bioresource technology

Year

2026