--- title: What is MBBR? description: Learn about MBBR technology for wastewater treatment and discover how AnoxKaldnes™ MBBR can optimise and enhance your facility's operations. image: https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blog-mbbr-one-technology-many-applications.jpg --- Resourcing the world - Newsroom - Newsroom - [Events](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/newsroom/events-listing) - [Latest News](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/latest-news) - About Us - About Us - [Ireland Company Profile](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/company-profile) - [Ireland Careers](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-careers) - [Ireland Management Team](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-management-team) - [Testimonials](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/testimonials) - [Veolia Water Technologies](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us) - Veolia Water Technologies - [Group Overview](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/group-overview) - 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[Municipal](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/?tid=99627647936) # What is MBBR? ![William Jeal](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/MCP_1872-1.jpeg) by William Jeal 17 June 2026 2 minutes read [![Reset](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vwt-uk/images/back-arrow-icon.svg) Back](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie) Follow Connect with us Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology is a cutting-edge wastewater treatment process that utilises thousands of plastic biofilm carriers that provide a large surface area for biofilm growth, enhancing the biological degradation of pollutants. MBBR offers an efficient, small-footprint solution for removing ammonia, nitrogen, and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). We have successfully implemented our [AnoxKaldnes™ MBBR](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/solutions/technologies/anoxkaldnes-mbbr) process at over 1100 sites globally. However, the versatility of MBBR extends far beyond its traditional applications, and we want to introduce you to the diverse range of impacts this technology is making. ## Understanding MBBR Technology MBBR biological wastewater treatment involves thousands of plastic biofilm carriers that provide a large protected surface area for microbial growth. These carriers are suspended and circulated in a wastewater tank by air diffusers for aerobic treatment or mixers for anaerobic treatment. Biofilms grow on the surface, effectively separating microorganisms from the wastewater. Retention sieves keep the biofilm carriers in the tank while excess sludge and treated water flow out, ready for discharge or further treatment. ## Applications and Benefits of MBBR ![Thousands of MBBR biofilm carriers on top of wastewater](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/vwt-uk/MBBR.jpg?width=582&height=436&name=MBBR.jpg) MBBR systems are versatile and can be applied to both new and existing sites in the industrial and municipal sectors. They help facilities optimise their wastewater treatment processes, meet stringent discharge consents, and avoid non-compliance penalties. MBBR can be used as a sole treatment or as pre- or post-treatment alongside other processes such as activated sludge. The benefits of MBBR technology include: - **Efficiency:** Effective removal of biological wastewater contaminants. - **Compact Footprint:** Ideal for facilities with limited space. - **Flexibility:** Can handle variable loads and integrate with other technologies. - **Low Maintenance:** Reliable and robust with minimal downtime. ## AnoxKaldnes™ MBBR: A Proven Solution Our AnoxKaldnes™ MBBR process builds on the foundational principles of MBBR technology, offering a prefabricated package that simplifies installation and operation. It retains all the inherent benefits of MBBR while providing additional advantages such as fast assembly and easy transportation. AnoxKaldnes™ MBBR is also available in bespoke configurations to meet specific site needs. ![MBBR 02](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/vwt-uk/MBBR%2002.png?width=874&height=420&name=MBBR%2002.png) ## Cost-effective Upgrade Solutions MBBR technology offers significant potential as a pretreatment solution upstream of existing secondary treatment processes, such as activated sludge plants or trickling filters. When existing treatments struggle with process load but are not asset life-limited, installing a roughing MBBR upstream can provide a low-cost upgrade solution. ## Enhancing Flexibility with MBBR Pack Units ![MBBR PACK](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/Europe%20TDS/FB%20WW/MBBR%20PACK.jpg?width=4032&height=1860&name=MBBR%20PACK.jpg) Reducing onsite construction time and enhancing flexibility are key drivers behind our [MBBR Pack units.](https://campaign.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk/en-gb/mbbr-pack-how-to-deal-with-wastewater-seasonal-peaks-0) These units offer all the advantages of conventional MBBR systems in a standard prefabricated package, featuring a plug-and-play function for quick and easy installation. Discover the transformative power of MBBR technology with our AnoxKaldnes™ solutions. Whether you're looking to optimise your existing wastewater treatment processes or seeking a compact, efficient system for new installations, our MBBR technology offers unparalleled flexibility and performance. Join over 1100 sites globally that have successfully implemented our cutting-edge solutions. [Contact us](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/contact-us)today to explore how AnoxKaldnes™ MBBR can revolutionise your wastewater treatment operations and drive sustainable outcomes for your facility.   ## Tags - [Municipal](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/?tid=99627647936) ## Related articles ![Subscribe](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/vwt-uk/subscribe.jpg) ## Sign up to blog notifications Receive the latest blog updates. {|error|} By checking this box, you agree to **Veolia Water Technologies's** [Privacy Policy](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/privacy-policy-veolia-water-technologies) and you agree to receive information on our products and services. Keep me informed ## Thank you for subscribing. Return to blog Note: If you do not receive any emails, please check your junk folder. 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