Fundamental Studies on Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor-Based Processes for Wastewater Treatment in Cold Regions

动态膜生物反应器（dmbr）作为膜生物反应器（MBR）技术的一种低成本衍生产品，近几十年来引起了人们的强烈兴趣，动态膜生物反应器（dmbr）是通过在由廉价材料（如尼龙）制成的大孔支撑网上形成饼层来获得动态膜（DM）的。与传统mbr相比，dmbr具有成本低廉的膜组件、更容易操作、更低的能源需求、更高的通量、更易于管理的污垢以及更少的化学清洗等优点。因此，dmbr已被研究用于城市和工业废水处理。DMBR技术的优势使其有望用于偏远社区的废水处理和再利用，例如原住民保留区和其他没有足够废水处理设施的社区。然而，当dmbr在长期运行后受到污染时，其渗透质量的波动仍然是一个挑战，这阻碍了该技术的大规模应用。在加拿大，dmbr还有另一个不利因素：低温。迄今为止，低温（例如1 - 15°C）对dmbr的影响很少进行研究。因此，dmbr在寒冷地区的性能和弹性仍然未知。由于温度是影响微生物活动的最重要因素之一，因此有必要对dmbr在低温下的潜力进行探索。研究计划是对低温dmbr进行全面、根本性的研究。具体来说，我希望研究dmbr的亲水性和弹性，以确定决定性的操作因素，优化处理性能，并了解控制dmbr的机制（例如，DM形成和污垢）。从长远来看，我期待着通过在DMBR系统中集成其他流程来开发基于多屏障方法的DMBR系统。例如，在低温下，活性污泥和生物膜的杂交是一种可靠而有前途的方法。此外，培养高素质人才（HQP）是我研究的另一个基石。通过培训来自不同背景/身份（例如，性别，国籍和技能）的个人，我将尽我所能在我的研究项目中创造一个良好的人员组合，以促进公平，多样性和包容性。据我所知，这是一次开拓性的尝试。该研究将深入了解dmbr在低温下发生的物理、化学和生物过程。此外，它还将阐明dmbr中新出现的污染物在寒冷条件下的生物降解。总的来说，我期待着为寒冷地区的贫困社区制定可持续的废水处理和再利用战略。通过开发可持续技术和培训HQP，我的研究项目将有助于保护加拿大和其他国家偏远社区的环境和公共卫生。

As a low-cost derivative of the membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, dynamic membrane bioreactors (DMBRs) are attracting strong interest in the recent decades, in which a dynamic membrane (DM) is obtained through forming a cake layer on large-pore supporting mesh that is made of cheap materials, e.g., nylon. Compared with conventional MBRs, DMBRs have advantages, including inexpensive membrane modules, easier operation, lower energy demand, higher flux, more manageable fouling, and reduced chemical cleaning. Thus, DMBRs have been studied for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. The advantages of the DMBR technology make it promising for wastewater treatment and reuse in remote communities, such as those in First Nations reserves and others without adequate wastewater treatment facilities. However, the fluctuating permeate quality of DMBRs remains challenging when the DMs are fouled after long-term operation, which impedes large-scale application of the technology. In Canada, there is another unfavorable factor for DMBRs: low temperature. To date, impacts of low temperature (e.g., 1 - 15°C) on DMBRs have rarely been studied. Hence, DMBRs' performance and resilience in cold regions are still unknown. Since temperature is one of the most influential factors for microbial activities, it is necessary to explore the potential of DMBRs at low temperature. The research program is to holistically and fundamentally study DMBRs at low temperature. Specifically, I am looking to examine DMBRs' psychrophilic performance and resilience, to identify the determinant operating factors, to optimize the treatment performance, and understand the mechanisms that govern DMBRs (e.g., DM formation and fouling). Long-term-wise, I am looking forward to developing multi-barrier approach-based DMBR systems by integrating other processes in a DMBR system. For example, hybridization of activated sludge and biofilm is a reliable and promising approach at low temperature. Moreover, training highly qualified personnel (HQP) is another cornerstone of my research. By training individuals from various backgrounds/identities (e.g., gender, nationality, and skill-set), I will do my best to create a good mix of personnel in my research program to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. To the best of my knowledge, this is a pioneer attempt. The research will cast deeper insights into the physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring in DMBRs at low temperature. In addition, it would shed light on biodegradation of emerging pollutants in DMBRs under cold conditions. Overall, I am looking forward to developing sustainable wastewater treatment and reuse strategies for underprivileged communities in cold regions. Through developing sustainable technologies and training HQP, my research program will help guard the environment and public health in remote communities scattered across Canada and other countries.