Evaluation of a microgravity compatible membrane bioreactor for simultaneous nitrification/denitrification

The feasibility of a long-term space mission is partially reliant upon the ability to effectively recycle wastewater. Merged biological and physiochemical processes (integrated water recovery systems (IWRS)) are capable of producing potable water at lower equivalent system mass (ESM) than treatment systems composed of only physiochemical processes. Reducing the ESM of the water recycling units can increase the practicality of extended space missions by decreasing payload weight. In order to lower the ESM of the biological pre-treatment component, a single-stage biological reactor capable of simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal was created by modifying the membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) design. Studies were performed in order to evaluate the water quality performance of this reactor.