Which of the following statements is true about membrane bioreactors (MBRs)?

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are advanced wastewater treatment systems that combine biological treatment with membrane filtration. One of the key advantages of MBRs is their ability to produce high-quality effluent. The membranes used in MBRs are capable of separating biomass from treated water, which allows for the removal of suspended solids and pathogens to a much greater degree than many traditional treatment methods. As a result, the treated water meets stringent quality standards, making it suitable for various applications, including reuse and discharge to sensitive environments.

This high-quality effluent is largely due to the operational advantages of MBRs, including the ability to maintain higher concentrations of biomass and better control over the treatment process. Consequently, MBRs are often utilized in scenarios where high-quality effluent is necessary, such as in urban water recycling, agricultural irrigation, or as a pre-treatment step for reverse osmosis.

In contrast, MBRs can treat both municipal and industrial wastewater, and while they do require energy for operations (such as pumping and membrane filtration), they are often more efficient regarding space utilization and effluent quality compared to traditional methods.