Friends or foes? The role of Biofilm microbiomes in industrial anaerobic membrane bioreactors to MAXimise bioenergy production

Transforming the European Union into a competitive low-carbon economy by 2050 requires the industry sector to continue implementing energy-efficient processes, especially for the valorisation of biodegradable waste and wastewater.

Anaerobic digestion membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) is an emerging technology combining the production of methane-rich bioenergy and high-quality effluents free of particles, colloids and pathogens.

However, the presence of biocidal or inhibitory compounds found in many industrial wastewaters hinders the implementation of AnMBR associated to low process efficiencies and instability.

Additionally, the adhesion of particles and formation microbial biofilms into the membrane surface results in increased operational energy requirements.

Biofilm formation may be exacerbated when treating industrial wastewaters containing high concentrations of inhibitory compounds since biofilm formation is a widespread microbial survival strategy to thrive under unfavourable conditions. However, are biofilms friend or foe?

A controlled biofilm formation may be beneficial to improve AnMBR robustness and methane yields since the protection given by the biofilm structure allows microorganisms to function in harsher conditions.

Understanding the interaction between biofilm formation and functionality in anaerobic biotechnologies is key for the success of AnMBR technology and the valorisation of heavily polluted industrial wastewaters.

To this aim, I will systematically study the identity, dynamics and ecophysiology of planktonic and biofilm microbiomes occurring in AnMBR treating pharmaceutical wastewater.

Harnessing this knowledge will allow the quantification of the role and potential of microbial biofilms to improve AnMBR performance, robustness and economic feasibility.

The experience gained from combining microbial and engineering approaches will lay the foundations to develop and improve biofilm management strategies for a successful AnMBR implementation.