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Understanding Dissolved Organic Matter Biogeochemistry Through In Situ Nutrient Manipulations in Stream Ecosystems
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An internal carbon source for improving biological nutrient removal.

Pantelis Kampas1, Simon A Parsons, Pete Pearce

  • 1Centre for Water Science, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK.

Bioresource Technology
|July 5, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Mechanically disintegrated surplus activated sludge (SAS) effectively serves as an internal carbon source for biological nutrient removal (BNR). This method significantly enhances both phosphate release and nitrate consumption in wastewater treatment processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Waste Management

Background:

  • Biological nutrient removal (BNR) is crucial for wastewater treatment.
  • Surplus activated sludge (SAS) is a significant waste product from BNR processes.
  • Internal carbon sources can improve BNR efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate mechanically disintegrated SAS as an internal carbon source for BNR.
  • To compare its effectiveness against acetate for phosphate release and denitrification.
  • To determine optimal disintegration parameters for SAS.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory-scale phosphorus release tests.
  • Laboratory-scale denitrification tests.
  • Mechanical disintegration of SAS using a deflaker.

Main Results:

  • Disintegrated SAS enhanced phosphate release (14.9 mg PO(4)-P l(-1)) more than acetate (7.9 mg PO(4)-P l(-1)).
  • Nitrate consumption rates were higher with disintegrated SAS (14.9 mg NO(3)-N g(-1)VSS h(-1)) compared to acetate (7.0 mg NO(3)-N g(-1)VSS h(-1)).
  • 2-5 minutes of disintegration (2300-6200 kJ kg(-1) TS) is recommended.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanically disintegrated SAS is a viable and effective internal carbon source for BNR.
  • This approach offers a sustainable solution for managing SAS and improving nutrient removal.
  • Optimized mechanical disintegration enhances the performance of biological nutrient removal systems.