The efficiency of a sequencing batch biofilm reactor in organic carbon and phosphorus removal

A laboratory sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR), operated for a period of 158 days, was used to treat domestic-strength synthetic effluent. The biofilm reactor comprised a bulk fluid reactor, a biofilm plastic module, a synthetic wastewater feed tank, and pneumatic devices with pneumatic controls. The reactor cycle time was 8 h, and its operation consisted of five phases: feeding (59 min), mixing (1 min), anoxic/anaerobic (3 h), aerobic (3 h), and settling (1 h). At total chemical oxygen demand (CODT) loading rates of 8.8 g CODT m(-2) d(-1) and 1.2 kg CODT m(-3) d(-1), expressed in terms of the plastic module surface area and reactor volume, respectively, the SBBR had average removal rates of 8.3 g CODT m(-2) d(-1) and 1.1 kg CODT m(-3) d(-1), or 94%. Total orthophosphorus (PO4-PT) and filtered orthophosphorus (PO4-PF) removals were 44% and 50%, respectively.