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Full-scale application of the BABE technology
S Salem1, D H J G Berends, H F van der Roest
1Kluyver Laboratory for Biotechnology, Department of Biochemical Engineering, Delft, University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands.
Summary
The BABE process enhances nitrification in activated sludge by augmenting nitrifiers, leading to improved nitrogen removal and lower ammonia levels. This bio-augmentation technology shows stable operation and potential benefits at lower temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Activated sludge processes often struggle with nitrification at suboptimal solid retention times.
- Bio-augmentation offers a solution by introducing specialized microorganisms.
- The BABE (Bio-augmentation and Bio-elimination) process was developed to address these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the BABE process for enhancing nitrification and nitrogen removal in activated sludge systems.
- To quantify the nitrogen removal and nitrifier augmentation capabilities of the BABE reactor.
- To assess the stability and operational performance of the BABE technology at a full-scale wastewater treatment plant.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a side-stream BABE reactor in the sludge return line.
- Full-scale testing at Garmerwolde wastewater treatment plant comparing BABE reactor operation with control lines.
- Analysis of sludge samples using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) to confirm nitrifier augmentation.
- Development and application of a mathematical model (ASM1 in AQUASIM) for simulation and prediction.
Main Results:
- The BABE reactor significantly increased nitrification rates and reduced effluent ammonia concentrations.
- FISH analysis confirmed the successful augmentation of nitrifiers in the treated stream.
- The technology demonstrated effective and stable operation under full-scale conditions.
- Simulations suggested optimal performance at lower temperatures and with smaller BABE reactor volumes.
Conclusions:
- The BABE process is a viable and effective technology for enhancing nitrification and nitrogen removal in activated sludge systems.
- Bio-augmentation via the BABE reactor provides a stable and quantifiable method to improve wastewater treatment efficiency.
- The BABE technology offers flexibility, potentially allowing for increased denitrification capacity in the main treatment line.