# Enhancing Nitrogen Removal in MBRs: From Theoretical Advances to Practical Applications

**Authors:** Jiayi Xun, Lu Wang, Fengwei Jia, Ziwen Han, Haoran Ma, Yiping Feng, Ying Zhao, Wenjuan Zhang, Dan Song, Jun Ma

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/membranes16010013 · 2025-12-31

## TL;DR

This paper explores how membrane bioreactors can effectively remove nitrogen from wastewater to prevent water pollution and ecological damage.

## Contribution

The paper integrates recent theoretical and practical advancements to enhance nitrogen removal efficiency in MBR systems.

## Key findings

- MBRs combine biological and membrane technologies to improve nitrogen removal.
- Environmental factors significantly influence the efficiency of nitrogen removal in MBRs.
- Strategies for mitigating membrane fouling are proposed to optimize MBR performance.

## Abstract

Nitrogen, a prevalent water pollutant, is a major cause of eutrophication and the formation of black, odorous water bodies, posing significant threats to both ecological security and human health. Effectively controlling nitrogen pollution in wastewater is therefore essential for preserving aquatic ecosystems. The membrane bioreactor (MBR), which integrates the advantages of biological and membrane technologies, has attracted considerable attention for its application potential in wastewater nitrogen removal. This article elucidates the mechanisms and characteristics of nitrogen removal in MBR systems based on the latest research advancements. It provides an in-depth analysis of the key environmental factors affecting nitrogen removal efficiency and comprehensively summarizes enhanced processes centered on MBR technology. Furthermore, the article addresses corresponding strategies for mitigating MBR membrane fouling and offers suggestions and prospects for future research directions.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** nitrogen (PubChem CID 947)

## Full-text entities

- **Chemicals:** Nitrogen (MESH:D009584)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12844031/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12844031