Gokul Water Technologies

MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) media is a specially designed plastic carrier used in biological wastewater treatment systems. It provides a large surface area for the growth of beneficial microorganisms (biofilm), which help in the degradation of organic pollutants.

The media moves freely inside the aeration tank due to air or mechanical mixing, ensuring efficient contact between wastewater and biomass. This results in higher treatment efficiency and stable performance.

• Made from virgin HDPE material
• High specific surface area (typically 500–1000 m²/m³)
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Excellent biofilm adhesion properties
• Resistant to chemicals and corrosion
• Long service life (10–15 years) 

MBBR Media (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor Media) – Complete Discussion
MBBR media is the heart of an MBBR-based STP/ETP system, where biological treatment happens through attached growth of microorganisms.
What is MBBR Media?
MBBR media are small plastic carriers that float in the aeration tank. These provide high surface area for bacteria to grow and treat wastewater efficiently.
Based on the principle of Biofilm, where microorganisms form a layer on the media surface and degrade pollutants.
Material & Design
Made of: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Shape: Cylindrical / wheel / honeycomb type
Density: ~0.95–0.98 (so it floats in water)
Key Features
High surface area (350–1200 m²/m³)
Self-cleaning due to movement
No sludge return required (unlike ASP)
Compact design → saves space
Stable operation even with load fluctuation
Types of MBBR Media
1. Standard Media
Surface Area: 350–500 m²/m³
Used in normal STP plants
2. High Surface Area Media
Surface Area: 800–1200 m²/m³
Used where space is limited
3. Anoxic Media
Used in denitrification tanks
Working Principle
Wastewater enters aeration tank
Air diffusers create turbulence
Media moves freely in tank
Biofilm grows on media surface
Microorganisms break down:
BOD
COD
Ammonia
Media Filling Ratio
Typical: 40% – 60% of tank volume
Overfilling → choking & poor aeration
Underfilling → low efficiency
Applications
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
Industrial wastewater
Upgradation of old ASP plants
Advantages vs ASP (Activated Sludge Process)
Parameter
MBBR
ASP
Space
Compact
Large
Operation
Easy
Complex
Sludge
Low
High
Efficiency
Stable
Sensitive
Common Media Sizes (India Market)
10 mm × 7 mm
12 mm × 10 mm
25 mm (large industrial use)

FAB Media (Fixed Aerated Bed Media) is a structured plastic media used in biological wastewater treatment systems where microorganisms grow on a fixed surface. It is installed inside aeration tanks to support the formation of biofilm, which helps in the efficient removal of organic pollutants from wastewater.

Unlike moving media systems, FAB media remains fixed in position, while air is supplied from the bottom to provide oxygen and enhance biological activity.

• Made from high-quality PVC / HDPE material
• High surface area for effective biofilm growth
• Strong and durable structure
• Clog-resistant design
• Easy to install and low maintenance
• Long service life (8–12 years)