MBBR are increasing their use in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment applications as a highly effective method to increase organic wasteload as microorganisms attach to the suspended media and grow. MBBR also have a significantly reduced footprint when compared to conventional systems, contributing to their popularity.

Both aerobic and anaerobic MBBR are used in industrial applications. An emerging trend is to combine MBBR systems to reduce footprint and maximize results. A recent pilot plant study into the combined use of an aerobic and anaerobic system at an industrial food plant in Europe showed that not only could the chemical oxygen demand (COD) be removed efficiently, but biogas could be produced.

MBBR technology continues to evolve and may be the optimal wastewater treatment method for operators looking to reduce the footprint of their wastewater treatment process and the associated maintenance requirements.

Technologies can be combined when upgrading existing facilities as well. Manufacturers often look to enhance amenities when anticipating or responding to more stringent requirements for wastewater treatment.

As an example, a recent U.S. water pollution control commission needed to enhance its tertiary filtration system to maintain compliance with effluent phosphorous permitting regulations. A novel combination of a disc filtration system with chemical conditioning was used to achieve a reduction of effluent phosphorous of up to 90% over previous levels.