On-line monitoring of the enhanced biological phosphorus removal process using respirometry and titrimetry

The enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process was adapted to membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. One bench-scale plant (BSP, 200-250 L) and two pilot plants (PPs, 1,000-3,000 L each) were operated under several configurations, including pre-denitrification and post-denitrification without addition of carbon source, and two solid retention times (SRT) of 15 and 26 d. The trials showed that efficient Bio-P removal can be achieved with MBR systems, in both pre- and post-denitrification configurations. EBPR dynamics could be clearly demonstrated through batch-tests, on-line measurements, profile analyses, P-spiking trials, and mass balances. High P-removal performances were achieved even with high SRT of 26 d, as around 9 mgP/L could be reliably removed. After stabilisation, the sludge exhibited phosphorus contents of around 2.4%TS. When spiked with phosphorus (no P-limitation), P-content could increase up to 6%TS. The sludge is therefore well suited to agricultural reuse with important fertilising values. Theoretical calculations showed that increased sludge age should result in a greater P-content. This could not be clearly demonstrated by the trials. This effect should be all the more significant as the influent is low in suspended solids.

Download Full-text

Performance and metabolic aspects of a novel enhanced biological phosphorus removal system with intermittent feeding and alternate aeration

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2013.811 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 69 (8) ◽

pp. 1612-1619 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Paraschos Melidis ◽

Anastasios G. Kapagiannidis ◽

Spyridon Ntougias ◽

Konstantina Davididou ◽

Alexander Aivasidis

Keyword(s):

Phosphorus Removal ◽

Feeding Strategy ◽

Oxygen Demand ◽

Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal ◽

Biological Phosphorus Removal ◽

Intermittent Feeding ◽

Oxidation Reduction ◽

Oxidation Reduction Potential ◽

On Line ◽

Biological Phosphorus

A novel enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) system, which combined the intermittent feeding design with an anaerobic selector, was examined using on-line oxidation reduction potential (ORP), nitrate and ammonium probes. Two experimental periods were investigated: the aerobic and anoxic phases were set at 40 and 20 minutes respectively for period I, and set at 30 and 30 minutes for period II. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and P removal were measured as high as 87%, 96% and 93% respectively, while total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and NH4+ removal averaged 85% and 91%. Two specific denitrification rates (SDNRs), which corresponded to the consumption of the readily biodegradable and slowly biodegradable COD, were determined. SDNR-1 and SDNR-2 during period I were 0.235 and 0.059 g N g−1 volatile suspended solids (VSS) d−1 respectively, while the respective rates during period II were 0.105 and 0.042 g N g−1 VSS d−1. The specific nitrate formation and ammonium oxidizing rates were 0.076 and 0.064 g N g−1 VSS d−1 for period I and 0.065 and 0.081 g N g−1 VSS d−1 for period II respectively. The specific P release rates were 2.79 and 4.02 mg P g−1 VSS h−1 during period I and II, while the respective anoxic/aerobic uptake rates were 0.42 and 0.55 mg P g−1 VSS h−1. This is the first report on an EBPR scheme using the intermittent feeding strategy.

Download Full-text