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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities

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Published on: December 25, 2015

Enhanced aerobic sludge granulation in sequencing batch reactor by Mg2+ augmentation.

Xiao-Ming Li¹, Qian-Qian Liu, Qi Yang

¹College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Hunan Changsha 410082, China. xmli@hnu.cn

Bioresource Technology

|July 29, 2008

Summary

Magnesium (Mg2+) addition significantly accelerated sludge granulation in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). This enhancement led to denser, larger granules with improved settling properties.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Biotechnology
Wastewater Treatment

Background:

Aerobic granulation is a crucial process in wastewater treatment for enhanced settling and pollutant removal.
Optimizing granulation time and granule characteristics is essential for efficient SBR operation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of magnesium ion (Mg2+) augmentation on aerobic granulation in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs).

Main Methods:

Concurrent operation of two SBRs, with one reactor (R2) augmented with 10 mg/l Mg2+.
Monitoring sludge granulation time, mean granule diameter, granule density, settling velocity, and polysaccharide content.

Main Results:

Mg2+ augmentation reduced granulation time from 32 days to 18 days.
Granules in the Mg2+-fed reactor (R2) were larger (2.9 mm vs 1.8 mm), denser, more compact, and exhibited better settling.
Higher polysaccharide content was observed in Mg2+-fed granules, without altering microbial morphology.

Conclusions:

Mg2+ significantly enhances the aerobic sludge granulation process in SBRs.
The addition of Mg2+ improves key granule properties, leading to more efficient wastewater treatment.