RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Performance comparison of microalgae-based and activated sludge with membrane filtration (AS-MBR) for emerging contaminant removal and wastewater reuse
A1 Gonzalo Ibrahim, Félix Gaspar
A1 Muñoz Torre, Raúl
A1 Botero Coy, Ana María
A1 Hernandez, Félix
A1 Godos Crespo, Ignacio de
K1 Biodegradation
K1 Micropollutants
K1 High-rate algae ponds
K1 Microalgae
K1 Pharmaceuticals
K1 Urban wastewater treatment
K1 3308 Ingeniería y Tecnología del Medio Ambiente
AB The removal efficiency of microalgae cultures was compared to that of an activated sludge system with ultrafiltration. Three systems were assessed: an outdoor algae pond, a lab-scale setup simulating open-air conditions, and a full-scale activated sludge facility. High removal rates (>80 %) were observed for hydrophobic, biodegradable or volatile compounds across all systems, despite differences in treatment nature. In microalgae systems, bioadsorption and photodegradation were key pathways, with enhanced removal of UV-sensitive compounds in the outdoor pond. In the activated sludge membrane-assisted system, biosorption and volatilization led to very low pollutant concentrations in the effluent. The membrane bioreactor outperformed conventional activated sludge systems due to higher aeration, sludge age and the elevated solids concentration. The three tested systems produce final effluents that met European standards for reclaimed water, in terms of biological contamination, and the limits proposed for emerging contaminant removal.
PB Elsevier
SN 0304-3894
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/80941
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/80941
LA eng
NO Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2025, vol. 501, p. 140553
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 31-ene-2026