Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/232302

Title

A comparison of biological nutrient removal in intermittent cyclic and continuous activated sludge systems

Author(s)

Ho, K. M.;  Greenfield, P. F.;  Blackall, L. L.;  Bell, P. R. F.;  Krol, A.

Abstract

An assessment was made of biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal and related sludge bulking control in both intermittent cyclic and continuous activated sludge systems. Experimental results from a laboratory-scale investigation using fermented domestic sewage indicated the advantages of achieving high levels of P and N removal and good sludge-settling properties using the intermittent cyclic process, as compared to the continuous process. The modified intermittently fed and decanted system incorporating non-mixing sequences produced an effluent quality of NO3-N < 5 mg L^-1, PO4-P < 1 mg L^-1 and NH3-N < 2 mg L^-1, with a non-bulking sludge having a sludge volume index < 120 mL g^-1, despite unfavourable influent characteristics (TCOD : TKN < 7, TKN > 60 mg L^-1, TP-9 mg L^-1 and RBCOD < 30 mg L^-1). In contrast, the modified 4-stage Bardenpho process could not achieve effluent NO3-N and PO4-P concentrations of < 10 and < 1 mg L^-1, respectively. The sludge volume index (SVI) values were always higher than 250 mL g^-1 and occasionally reached as high as 422 mL g^-1. The causative filaments were low F:M growers - Types 0041/0675.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Resources, Conservation and Recycling: incorporating Proceedings of the International Conference on Environmental Biotechnology in Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-14 January 1993, Vol. 11, no. 1-4 (Jun 1994), pp. 149-159

Publication year

1994

FOR Code(s)

05 Environmental Sciences;  09 Engineering;  12 Built Environment and Design

Keyword(s)

Activated sludge;  Biological nutrient removal;  BNR;  Chemical oxygen demand;  Continuous activated sludge system;  Denitrification;  Nutrient;  Phosphorus;  Sewage treatment;  SVI;  Waste water management

Publisher

Elsevier

ISSN

0921-3449

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0921-3449(94)90086-8

Copyright

Copyright © 1994 Published by Elsevier BV.

Peer reviewed