Identify one advantage of using membrane bioreactors (MBR) in wastewater treatment.

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) offer a significant advantage in allowing for higher effluent quality and achieving effective solid-liquid separation. The design of MBR systems integrates biological treatment with membrane filtration, which helps in consistently removing a wide range of contaminants. The membranes can filter out suspended solids, bacteria, and even viruses, resulting in treated effluent that meets stringent regulatory requirements for water quality.

The coupled action of biological degradation of organic matter and the physical barrier provided by membranes allows MBR systems to produce a higher quality effluent compared to conventional treatment processes. This is particularly beneficial for applications requiring advanced treatment such as reuse and discharge into sensitive ecosystems.

In contrast, while lower energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and reduced space requirements are considerations in evaluating wastewater treatment methods, these factors can vary based on specific system design and operational practices. Therefore, the primary and distinct advantage of MBRs lies in their exceptional ability to provide superior effluent quality and effective solid-liquid separation.