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The performance of a nitrogen-fixing SBR.
M A Dennis1, M L Cotter, A H Slade
1Forest Research, Private Bag 3020 Rotorua, New Zealand. marie.dennis@forestresearch.co.nz
Summary
The N-ViroTech process effectively treats nitrogen-deficient wastewater using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with biological nitrogen fixation. This method improves sludge quality and reduces nitrogen discharge compared to other systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Thermomechanical pulping wastewater is nitrogen-deficient.
- Conventional treatment methods may struggle with sludge bulking and nitrogen removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the N-ViroTech process, utilizing a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with biological nitrogen fixation, for treating nitrogen-deficient thermomechanical pulping wastewater.
- To compare the performance of the SBR system against continuous stirred tank reactor activated sludge (CSTR-AS) configurations.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operated under biological nitrogen fixation (N-ViroTech process).
- Comparison with continuous stirred tank reactor activated sludge (CSTR-AS) systems under nitrogen-fixing and nitrogen-supplemented conditions.
Main Results:
- SBR achieved effective nitrogen removal and superior suspended solids removal compared to CSTR-AS.
- Sludge from the SBR exhibited significantly better settleability and dewaterability.
- The N-ViroTech process demonstrated consistently low total and dissolved nitrogen discharge.
Conclusions:
- The SBR operated under biological nitrogen fixation (N-ViroTech process) is a viable technology for treating nitrogen-deficient wastewater.
- The feast-famine conditions in SBRs offer advantages over conventional systems, particularly in preventing sludge bulking.