Sequencing batch reactor treatment of tannery wastewater for carbon and nitrogen removal

The paper evaluates the organic carbon and nitrogen removal performance of the sequencing batch reactor (SBR), technology for tannery wastewater. For this purpose, a pilot-scale SBR was installed on site to treat the plain-sealed tannery effluent. The study involved wastewater characterization, start-up and operation of the reactor for carbon and nitrogen removal and model evaluation of system performance. Its removal efficiency was compared with that of the existing continuous-flow activated sludge system providing full treatment to wastewater from the Istanbul Tannery Organized Industrial District.