Emerging biofouling control strategies in MBR systems: Quorum quenching, electrochemical methods, and mechanically imposed membrane shear

Membrane biofouling, the adhesion and growth of microorganisms on a membrane, leads to the deterioration of membrane quality and treatment efficiency in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for wastewater treatment. To prevent such issues, specialized techniques are required to disrupt biofouling mechanisms efficiently. Specifically, key strategies include incorporating quorum quenching (QQ), electrochemistry, and mechanically imposed membrane shear (MIMS) into MBRs to enhance biofouling control and improve overall system performance. Herein, we provide an overview of the challenges associated with biofouling in MBRs and highlight the advancements made through the application of QQ, electrochemistry, and MIMS. The successful implementation of these techniques will revolutionize wastewater treatment and pave the way for more efficient and sustainable biofouling solutions for environmental remediation.