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Biological phosphorus removal from a phosphorus-rich dairy processing wastewater
P O Bickers1, R Bhamidimarri, J Shepherd
1Institute of Technology and Engineering, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Summary
Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) offers a sustainable alternative for dairy wastewater. This study demonstrated stable EBPR, effectively removing phosphorus using an activated sludge system with fermentation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Dairy industry wastewater often contains high phosphorus levels.
- Current phosphorus removal methods primarily rely on chemical treatments.
- There is a need for alternative, sustainable phosphorus removal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) as an alternative to chemical methods for dairy wastewater.
- To evaluate the performance of a continuous activated sludge system for EBPR in dairy processing wastewater.
Main Methods:
- A synthetic dairy wastewater was fermented anaerobically to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs).
- An activated sludge system was operated in an anaerobic-oxic (AO) configuration.
- Key parameters such as hydraulic retention time (HRT) and sludge retention time (SRT) were controlled.
Main Results:
- Stable EBPR was achieved, with 42 mg P/L removed from the wastewater.
- The final sludge phosphorus content reached 4.9% mg P/mg TSS.
- The anaerobic sludge exhibited a phosphorus content of 3.16% mg P/mg TSS and a poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) concentration of 86 mg COD/g TS.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is a viable and effective method for treating phosphorus-rich dairy wastewater.
- The study confirms the potential of biological processes to replace conventional chemical treatments.
- The findings support the adoption of EBPR in the dairy industry for sustainable phosphorus management.