The membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) is a technology that can deliver oxygen
at high rates and transfer efficiencies. This paper provides a comparative cost analysis of
the MABR compared to the activated sludge process. Membrane cost and electricity cost
were found to be the critical parameters determining the relative feasibility of the
conventional process to the membrane based process. The general downward trend in the
market price of membranes and the steady increase in energy costs in recent years may
prove to be a strong driver for the further development of this technology.
