Performance Optimization of Moving-bed Biofilm Reactor ( MBBR) Systems for Municipal Wastewater in Egypt: Impact of change Hydraulic Retention Time and Dissolved Oxygen

Abdelfadiel, Abdullah Saied; Nasr, Fayza; El-Shafai, Saber Abdelaziz

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.383218.11734

	Performance Optimization of Moving-bed Biofilm Reactor ( MBBR) Systems for Municipal Wastewater in Egypt: Impact of change Hydraulic Retention Time and Dissolved Oxygen
Egyptian Journal of Chemistry
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 July 2025
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.383218.11734
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Authors
Abdullah Saied Abdelfadiel ¹; Fayza Nasr²; Saber Abdelaziz El-Shafai ³
¹National Research Centre, Water Pollution Research Department, El-Tahrir St., P. Box 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
²Water pollution research , National research center, Giza, Egypt
³Water Pollution Research, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Egypt is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the MENA region, facing increasing stress on freshwater resources, particularly for agriculture. Therefore, innovative and efficient municipal wastewater treatment technologies are urgently needed. The Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) represents a promising solution due to its compact design, operational simplicity, low sludge production, and high-quality effluent. This study investigates the performance of lab-scale MBBRs treating municipal wastewater under Egyptian conditions, with a focus on varying Hydraulic Retention Times (HRTs) of 4, 6, and 8 hours, and two dissolved oxygen (DO) levels: low (2.3 mg/L) and high (>4.5 mg/L). Results demonstrated excellent removal efficiencies: COD (87.4–94.5%), BOD₅ (87.6–94.4%), and TSS (83.4–92.6%). Residual nutrient levels (TKN, NH₄⁺, and TP) ranged from 13.7–22.4 mg N/L, 2.7–14.1 mg N/L, and 1.07–2.65 mg P/L, respectively. Higher DO improved performance, but even under low DO, effluent quality at 6 and 8 hours HRT met reuse and discharge standards. These findings suggest that MBBRs can be efficiently operated at moderate HRT and low DO, offering a sustainable and cost-effective option for wastewater treatment and water reuse in arid regions like Egypt.
Keywords
MBBR; Sewage treatment; low cost MBBR system; Hydraulic Retention Times (HRT); Dissolved oxygen (D.O)


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