Meat-Processing Wastewater Treatment Using an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR)”, a new publication by BOKU University
BOKU University, project partner of SYMSITES, recently published a research article in the International Journal of Fermentation about innovative wastewater treatment turning meat-processing waste into biogas: “Meat-Processing Wastewater Treatment Using an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR)”
The potential of Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor technology for wastewater treatment in the meat-processing industry
A new study within the EU-funded Symsites project highlights the potential of this finding: by integrating membrane filtration with anaerobic digestion, this system enables efficient biogas production, resource recovery, and sustainable wastewater management.
The study demonstrated that this wastewater treatment technology enhances energy efficiency. Further findings of the research proved that a trade-off between energy recovery and wastewater purification exists, and, in addition to this, microbial analysis revealed that the system is well-suited for high-fat, high-salt wastewater. These findings offer a potential approach for the food-processing sector, reducing wastewater pollution while recovering energy.
Future steps
Discharge regulations are not yet aligned with this new technology, requiring further treatment. Addressing membrane fouling and process optimization will be key to scaling up this approach. Further research will focus on optimizing microbial performance and reducing membrane fouling to enhance efficiency and applicability on a larger scale.
By converting industrial wastewater into renewable energy, the Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor supports the EU’s circular economy goals, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and biogas production.
Read more on:
Fermentation 2025, 11(2), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11020068.
Read the Open access article: https://www.mdpi.com/3163918 / https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/11/2/68
