Fabrication and Characterization of a Novel Bentonite-Zeolite Ceramic Membrane for Low-Energy Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Applications

Rizka Mayasari; Miftahul  Djana; Ririn Utari; Rosalia D  Werena; Azali Almi  Batrou

doi:10.23960/jemit.399

Authors

Rizka Mayasari Environmental Engineering Department, Lampung University, Bandar Lampung
Miftahul Djana Environmental Engineering Department, Lampung University, Bandar Lampung
Ririn Utari Environmental Engineering Department, Lampung University, Bandar Lampung
Rosalia D Werena Environmental Engineering Department, Lampung University, Bandar Lampung
Azali Almi Batrou Environmental Engineering Department, Lampung University, Bandar Lampung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23960/jemit.399

Keywords:

Bentonite-Zeolite, Ceramic Membrane, Low-Energy, Fouling Resistance, Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

Abstract

The development of durable, low-cost, and energy-efficient membranes is a critical challenge in advancing Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology. This study details the fabrication, characterization, and performance of a novel tubular ceramic membrane derived from abundant, inexpensive local minerals: bentonite and zeolite. The membranes were fabricated via an extrusion method, followed by sintering at 1100 °C. Material characterization revealed a superior set of physicomechanical properties, including an optimal porosity of 38.7% and a high compressive strength of 14.6 MPa. When integrated into a laboratory-scale MBR for treating tofu wastewater, the system demonstrated excellent pollutant removal, with average efficiencies for COD at 82.4% and TSS at 89.9%. The most significant finding was the membrane's exceptional operational stability. Over a 14-day period, the permeate flux exhibited a minimal decline of only 18.6%, while the Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) showed a very slow increase, averaging just 0.95 kPa/day. This high fouling resistance is a strong quantitative indicator of the MBR system's potential for low-energy operation by minimizing pumping energy and reducing cleaning frequency. This research successfully validates that bentonite-zeolite composites are a promising material for engineering sustainable and energy-efficient MBR technologies.

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