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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:13
A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Where is biological nutrient removal going now?
1Black & Veatch, 8400 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 34114, USA.
Summary
Stricter wastewater nutrient limits challenge communities. This paper explores methods to enhance existing biological nutrient removal processes to meet these new demands, focusing on process intensification.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment
- Nutrient Removal Technologies
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants face increasing regulatory pressure for nitrogen and phosphorus removal.
- Existing facilities are challenged by more stringent mass-based limits, especially with growing populations.
- Limited land availability necessitates innovative solutions for capacity and treatment enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss current methods for enhancing biological nutrient removal (BNR) in wastewater treatment.
- To explore strategies for intensifying existing processes to meet stricter nutrient limits.
- To outline the future direction of BNR technologies in response to evolving challenges.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging techniques for nitrogen and phosphorus removal.
- Focus on process intensification within existing wastewater treatment infrastructure.
- Analysis of strategies to increase treatment capacity and efficiency.
Main Results:
- Multiple options exist for effective nutrient removal from wastewater.
- Process intensification offers a viable solution for upgrading existing plants.
- BNR is evolving towards more efficient and adaptable treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Wastewater treatment facilities must adapt to stricter nutrient regulations.
- Intensifying existing biological nutrient removal processes is key to meeting new challenges.
- The field is moving towards innovative solutions for enhanced wastewater treatment.
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