Improvement of aerobic treatment process by cross-linked polyvinylpyridine

In continuous aerobic treatment of artificial sewage by activated sludge, the rate of removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was markedly enhanced by the presence of cross-linked poly-4-vinylpyridine (PVP). The concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) was also low in the presence of PVP. The extent of improvement in COD removal increased with increases in substrate load and the surface area of the PVP in the working space of the test apparatus. These results suggest an increase of the bacterial population resulting from the presence of the PVP. However, formation of measurable biofilm was not detected on the surface of the PVP during continuous aerobic treatment.