The Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor or MBBR process is based on the aerobic biofilm principle and utilizes the
advantages of activated sludge and other biofilm systems without being restrained by their disadvantages.
The basis of the process is the biofilm carrier elements
 that are made from polyethylene. The elements provide a large protected surface area for the biofilm and optimal
 conditions for the bacteria culture to grow and thrive. The biofilm that is created around each carrier element
 protects the bacterial cultures from operating excursions to yield a very robust system for those industrial facilities
 loaded with process fluctuations. The biofilm also provides a more stable “home” for the bacteria to grow,
so there is less space required compared to other biological systems and far less controls. Essentially nutrient levels
and DO levels are the only control points for the system. MBBRs can be designed for new facilities to
remove BOD/COD from wastewater streams or for nitrogen removal. Existing activated sludge plants can be
upgraded to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus removal or higher BOD/COD capacity (up to 500% increases
have been obtained).