Ratri Rachmawati, Ibrahim Maina Idriss, Zubair Hashmi, Nova Kurnia, Indah Prihatiningtyas, Asim Laeeq Khan, Muhammad Roil Bilad
Pharmaceutical residues in wastewater constitute an emerging environmental threat due to their persistence, bioactivity, and accumulation potential in aquatic ecosystems. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have demonstrated high efficacy in removing these contaminants by producing superior effluent quality and retaining micropollutants. Nevertheless, membrane fouling—intensified by pharmaceutical-induced production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products—remains the principal limitation to large-scale application. This review critically evaluates recent advances in MBR and integrated fixed-film activated sludge membrane bioreactor (IFAS-MBR) systems for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. Emphasis is placed on the effects of pharmaceuticals on biomass characteristics, including floc morphology and EPS composition, and on comparative fouling behaviors in conventional and hybrid systems. IFAS-MBRs exhibit enhanced biomass retention, stability, and contaminant removal, often mitigating fouling. Various fouling control strategies are reviewed, encompassing advanced oxidation processes, adsorbent incorporation (activated carbon, biochar), quorum-quenching bioaugmentation, and antifouling membrane design using nanocomposites or superhydrophilic coatings. Additionally, microbial community adaptation is examined concerning degradation performance and fouling dynamics. The review concludes by identifying operational best practices and research priorities essential for optimizing MBR and IFAS-MBR configurations toward sustainable management of pharmaceutical-laden effluents. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Muria Kudus, Jl. Lingkar Utara, Gondang Manis, Bae, Kudus, 59324, Indonesia; Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, 1410, Brunei Darussalam; Faculty of Applied Science and Education, Universitas Pendidikan Mandalika, Jl. Pemuda No. 59A, Mataram, 83126, Indonesia; Program Studi Teknik Kimia, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, West Java, 40154, Indonesia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah, 42351, Saudi Arabia
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