Biofilm Carrier Media Optimization in Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor for Textile Effluent COD Removal

Abstract

Textile industry effluents contain high concentrations of organic pollutants, dyes, and refractory compounds that contribute to elevated chemical oxygen demand (COD) and create significant environmental treatment challenges. This study investigates the optimization of biofilm carrier media in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for enhanced COD removal from textile wastewater under controlled biological treatment conditions. The research focuses on evaluating the influence of carrier media characteristics on biofilm development, microbial activity, and reactor treatment efficiency. Experimental analyses were conducted to examine the effects of carrier media shape, surface area, filling ratio, hydraulic retention time, aeration intensity, organic loading rate, and wastewater composition on COD removal performance and biofilm stability. Results demonstrated that optimized carrier media significantly improved microbial attachment and biofilm growth, leading to enhanced biodegradation of organic contaminants present in textile effluent. The moving bed biofilm reactor achieved substantial COD reduction with stable operational performance and improved resistance to fluctuating wastewater loading conditions. Kinetic evaluation revealed that carrier surface morphology and biofilm thickness strongly influence substrate diffusion, microbial metabolism, and overall treatment efficiency. The optimized MBBR system also contributed to reduced sludge production and improved oxygen transfer characteristics compared with conventional activated sludge treatment processes. Comparative assessment confirmed that appropriate carrier media selection enhances reactor performance, process stability, and treatment reliability for complex industrial wastewater applications. Furthermore, the integrated biofilm-based treatment approach demonstrated potential for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable textile effluent management. The findings highlight the applicability of optimized biofilm carrier media in moving bed biofilm reactors as an effective strategy for advanced COD removal and industrial wastewater treatment optimization.