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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Operation of a SHARON nitritation reactor: practical implications from a theoretical study
E I P Volcke1, M Loccufier, E J L Noldus
1BIOMATH, Department of Applied Mathematics, Biometrics and Process Control, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. eveline.volcke@ugent.be
Summary
This study analyzes a SHARON reactor for efficient nitrogen removal from wastewater. Optimizing the dilution rate based on ammonium concentration is key to achieving nitritation and preventing nitrate formation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Bioreactor Systems
Background:
- High ammonium concentrations in wastewater pose environmental challenges.
- Nitrogen removal processes are crucial for wastewater treatment.
- SHARON (Single-stage Ammonia Oxidation) reactors offer a potential solution for nitrogen removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the behavior of a SHARON reactor for nitrogen removal from high ammonium wastewater.
- To identify operational strategies for optimizing ammonium conversion to nitrite (nitritation).
- To investigate factors influencing reactor performance and stability.
Main Methods:
- System analysis using a two-step nitrification model.
- Steady-state identification via canonical state-space model representation.
- Examination of operational parameters including dilution rate, temperature, and pH.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that nitritation can be achieved by controlling the dilution rate relative to influent ammonium concentration.
- Identified the impact of microbial growth characteristics on the reactor's operating region.
- Evaluated the influence of temperature and pH on reactor performance.
Conclusions:
- SHARON reactor performance is highly dependent on operational parameters.
- Adjusting dilution rate based on ammonium load is critical for successful nitritation.
- Provides guidance for robust SHARON reactor design and operation for effective nitrogen removal.
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