MBR fouling differences was due to the variation of gel layer characteristics.
The gel layer resistance increase is the main cause of FRI rising.
Sludge bulking leads to the increase of SVI and small PSD at a low stirring rate.
Sequencing showed that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla.
CFD model can simulate the influence of fluid flow characteristics on MBR fouling.