Suspended media membrane biological reactor process including multiple biological reactor zones

Abstract

A wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a first biological reaction zone, a second biological reaction zone and a membrane operating system. The first biological reaction zone is constructed and arranged to receive and treat the wastewater. The second biological reaction zone includes a separation subsystem and is constructed and arranged to receive effluent from the first biological reaction zone. A suspension system for adsorbent material is provided in the second biological reaction zone. The membrane operating system is located downstream of the second biological reaction zone and is constructed and arranged to receive treated wastewater from the second biological reaction zone and discharge a membrane permeate.

1 . A process for treating wastewater comprising:
 introducing mixed liquor into a first biological reaction zone to form a treated mixed liquor;   passing the treated mixed liquor to a second biological reaction zone;   suspending adsorbent material in the treated mixed liquor of the second biological reaction zone, the action of suspension operating under conditions that promote adsorption of contaminants in treated mixed liquor on the adsorbent material; and   passing an effluent that is substantially free of adsorbent material from the second biological reaction zone to a membrane operating system while maintaining adsorbent material in the second biological reaction zone.