Frequently Asked Questions

A membrane bioreactor (MBR) works by combining biological treatment processes with membrane filtration. Wastewater first undergoes biological treatment, where microorganisms break down organic matter. Then, the treated water passes through fine membranes that separate solids, bacteria, and other impurities, leaving clean water for reuse or discharge. MBR systems are efficient, compact, and ideal for high-quality water treatment needs.

Biological waste water treatment is a process that uses microorganisms to remove contaminants from waste water. This type of treatment is widely used in marine, offshore , municipal and industrial waste water treatment plants to purify water before it is discharged into the environment.

The process of biological waste water treatment typically involves several stages. The process of biological waste water treatment involves macerating the waste water, using microorganisms to break down organic matter, and clarifying the treated water.

Biological waste water treatment is an effective, efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way to remove contaminants from waste water.

For more information on the process of biological waste water treatment, check out our blog post on the importance of biological waste water treatment.

Grey water and black water are two types of waste water that are generated in households and other buildings or vessels such as ships, offshore sites, etc. Grey water comes from non-toilet plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, showers, washing machines, etc. Black water comes from toilets and contains human waste and is therefore unsafe.

Learn more about the importance of grey water and black water treatment here.

Grease and oil from kitchen Galley drains can be removed proactively before treatment to protect pipes from blocking and to optimise the biological treatment process. Other components of wastewater that can be removed are dissolved nutrients and microplastics. Nutrients include Phosphorous and Nitrogen, which can cause eutrophication in natural water in too high concentrations, and microplastics can cause harmful effects in marine ecosystems.

However, these nutrients can be reduced using G&O advanced treatment systems, as well as screening microplastics. There are many components of wastewater, and additional steps can be added to treatment processes to further polish the treated water for even better water quality.

Black water treatment typically involves different selections of treatment philosophy, including the use of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove solids, organic matter, and pathogens from the wastewater.

We at G&O Bioreactors believe that the best, most efficient and eco-friendly way to treat waste water is through biological means. After treatment, the water can then be disinfected and discharged into the environment, or it can be further treated to produce reclaimed water for non-potable uses.

1. To protect human health by removing harmful contaminants and reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses. 

2. To protect life below water by reducing negative impacts on marine ecosystems

3. To conserve water resources by treating waste water for reuse
To comply with regulations to avoid fines and legal action
It’s important to properly manage waste water treatment systems to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. 

Yes, any biological treatment process will inevitably generate sludge as a natural by-product. Some manufacturers claim their systems produce no sludge build-up, but this is not accurate. Sludge formation is an inherent aspect of biological wastewater treatment, and its management is essential. G&O Bioreactors are designed to minimise sludge accumulation while ensuring compliance with discharge regulations. Sludge can be dewatered, stored in dedicated tanks, or disposed of at reception facilities in accordance with applicable maritime regulations. A proper sludge management policy should be in place on board to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

The primary residue from the biological treatment process is sludge, which contains high levels of coliform bacteria and organic matter. Due to its composition, sludge must be managed appropriately in line with maritime environmental regulations. Common handling methods include dewatering, onboard storage in designated sludge tanks, or disposal at reception facilities. Any discharge must comply with international and local regulations to prevent environmental contamination.

G&O Bioreactors are sized according to ISO guidelines unless specific technical requirements from the client indicate otherwise. For specialised applications, we conduct load assessments based on organic and hydraulic factors. These calculations are validated in consultation with the client to ensure optimal system performance. Considerations such as crew size, waste composition, and operational patterns are taken into account when determining the appropriate system capacity.

Yes, if you intend to treat both grey water and black water together, a mixing tank is required. G&O Bioreactors are designed with an integrated mixing tank as standard for the combined treatment of black and grey water. However, in some installations, the mixing function can be incorporated into the vessel’s structural tanks instead of using a separate mixing tank. The best approach depends on the specific vessel layout and operational requirements.