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Use of pH as fuzzy control parameter for nitrification under different alkalinity in SBR process
1College of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, China. brady009@sina.com
Summary
Fuzzy control of nitrification in Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs) was achieved by studying pH variations. Alkalinity levels determine pH changes, enabling pH monitoring for effective nitrification control and alkalinity assessment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Nitrification in Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs) is crucial for wastewater treatment.
- Controlling nitrification is complex due to dynamic pH variations.
- Alkalinity significantly influences pH behavior during nitrification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of alkalinity on pH variation during nitrification in SBRs.
- To explore the use of pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) for nitrification control.
- To develop a fuzzy controller for optimizing nitrification in SBRs.
Main Methods:
- Brewery wastewater was used as the substrate in SBRs.
- Alkalinity and pH were adjusted using sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide.
- Variations in pH, DO, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) were monitored.
Main Results:
- pH variation during nitrification was classified into rising and descending types based on alkalinity levels.
- Descending pH type occurred with deficient or sufficient bicarbonate alkalinity.
- Rising pH type occurred with excessive alkalinity, where DO could be used for control.
Conclusions:
- pH variation is a reliable indicator for controlling nitrification and assessing alkalinity sufficiency in SBRs.
- Alkalinity composition and concentration are critical factors influencing nitrification rates, often more so than pH alone.
- A fuzzy controller for nitrification was successfully constructed based on observed pH dynamics.
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