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Anaerobic granular sludge and biofilm reactors
Ioannis V Skiadas1, Hariklia N Gavala, Jens E Schmidt
1The Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology Group, Biocentrum-DTU, bldg 227, The Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark. ivs@biocentrum.dtu.dk
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|May 16, 2003
Summary
High-rate anaerobic digesters achieve long solids retention times through specific configurations and biomass immobilization, enhancing wastewater treatment. This makes anaerobic digestion a primary biological treatment method, with staged systems showing great potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- High-rate anaerobic digestion is crucial for effective wastewater treatment.
- Long solids retention time (SRT) is key to successful anaerobic digestion.
- Biomass immobilization (biofilms, granules) enhances SRT in anaerobic digesters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe common high-rate anaerobic treatment systems.
- To detail anaerobic granular sludge characteristics and granulation factors.
- To present innovative staged anaerobic digesters.
Main Methods:
- Review of Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) systems.
- Analysis of anaerobic granular sludge properties.
- Examination of factors influencing sludge granulation.
- Presentation of staged anaerobic digester designs.
Main Results:
- High-rate anaerobic digestion is shifting from pre-treatment to main biological treatment.
- Reactor configuration and biomass immobilization are vital for long SRT.
- Anaerobic granular sludge and biofilm systems are effective high-rate technologies.
Conclusions:
- Staged high-rate anaerobic digesters offer significant potential for advanced wastewater treatment.
- Understanding granulation is essential for optimizing anaerobic digestion systems.
- Anaerobic digestion is increasingly adopted as a primary wastewater treatment method.