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Operating the BF-MBR process with low organic loading rates appears to produce a retentate with more favorable characteristics with respect to dewatering, filterability and sludge production compared to high loading rates. Lower membrane fouling rates are also observed, i.e. less frequent cleaning required. From the results in this study the differences in dewatering and filtering characteristics and fouling rates may be attributed to higher concentrations of soluble organic matter, higher relative number % of submicron particles,