Preliminary Evaluation of UV/H₂O₂ Treatment for MBR Effluent from Dragon Fruit Processing Wastewater toward Reuse

Abstract:

This study assesses the potential for wastewater reuse from the dragon fruit (Hylocereus) concentrate production process, utilising an integrated membrane bioreactor (MBR) in conjunction with a UV/H₂O₂ advanced oxidation process (AOP). The MBR system effectively removed organic matter, nitrogen, suspended solids, and colour, with COD and total nitrogen (T-N) reduced to 92–226 mg/L and <0.2 mg/L, respectively. The removal efficiencies exceeded 91% and 98%, respectively. The MBR effluent met discharge standards and was suitable for further treatment. Subsequent AOP polishing significantly improved water quality, yielding BOD₅, total phosphorus (T-P), and total nitrogen (T-N) concentrations of 18.2 mg/L, 0.3 mg/L, and <0.2 mg/L, respectively, enabling reuse in fruit washing, equipment cleaning, and agricultural or aquacultural applications. A cost analysis revealed a sharp decrease in treatment cost, from $3.50/m³ at 50 L/min to $0.74/m³ at 1000 L/min, demonstrating economic viability at larger scales. Although AOP remains relatively costly, long-term cost-effectiveness can be improved through technological innovations, system integration, and operational optimisation. These findings offer a promising and sustainable approach to managing agro-industrial wastewater and conserving water resources.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 40)
• Pages: 15-29
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-DWTlM2
• Online since: July 2026
• Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Pham Duc Chinh, Phan Dinh Khai, Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong, Nguyen Duc Trung, Phan Qui Tra, Minh Tan Nguyen*
• Keywords: Advanced Oxidation Process, Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus), Membrane Filtration, Ultraviolet, Water Reuse Efficiency

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