Neuer Zeitschriftenbeitrag von dos Santos et al., 2026
The search for more sustainable and cost-effective wastewater treatment technologies has gained prominence, aiming to combine efficiency, economic viability, and environmental responsibility. In that regard, recycling reverse osmosis end-of-life membranes, which would otherwise be discarded due to loss of performance in the filtration processes, has proven to be a low-cost and sustainable alternative. Although studies confirm the membrane recycling potential, further evaluations are needed regarding their application aimed at treating wastewater, especially those containing emerging pollutants. Therefore, this study investigates the performance of recycled ultrafiltration (UFr) membranes in an expanded granular sludge bed-membrane bioreactor (EGSB-MBR) for wastewater treatment, focusing on bisphenol A (BPA) and nutrient removal. Additionally, the technology's performance was evaluated about toxicity, environmental and human risks, and costs. The results demonstrated that the EGSB-MBR achieved an average BPA removal efficiency of 91.1%, surpassing the performance of conventional anaerobic technologies. Additionally, EGSB-MBR demonstrated COD and PO₄3− removals of 96% and 27%, respectively. Risk assessments confirmed that the permeate was free from high risks. Furthermore, the system had a cost of US$0.079 m−3, making it a competitive alternative to conventional treatment. These findings highlight the potential application of UFr membranes, transforming the way membranes are produced, consumed and disposed of.