Fouling of waste-based ceramic membranes in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor: effect of membrane type and sludge characteristics

/m) as key fouling mechanisms. Statistical analysis further indicated F/M ratio (ρ = -0.43) and MLSS (ρ = 0.38) showed relatively strong associations with fouling rate compared to EPS content and composition (ρ ≈ 0.19-0.33). Overall, this study demonstrates the optimal operation conditions and provides insights into the fouling behaviour of an SBA-CM-equipped AnMBR treating low-strength wastewater.