Evaluation of deammonification process performance at different aeration strategies

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Wastewater Treatment

Background:

• Deammonification is an efficient nitrogen removal process.
• Oxygen is a critical factor influencing deammonification performance in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs).
• Understanding aeration strategies is key to optimizing wastewater treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different aeration strategies on deammonification efficiency.
• To determine the optimal dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations and aeration phase ratios (R) for MBBRs.
• To analyze the relationship between aeration parameters and nitrogen removal rates.

Main Methods:

• Conducted batch tests using moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs).
• Varied dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations (2, 3, 4 mg L(-1)) and aeration phase ratios (R=0, 1/3, 1, 3).
• Maintained consistent initial ammonium concentration, reactor volume, and temperature across tests.

Main Results:

• The effect of DO on deammonification was dependent on the aeration phase ratio (R).
• Higher DO levels significantly increased nitrogen removal rates at R=0 and R=1/3.
• Optimal performance (3.33 g N m(-2) d(-1), 69.5% efficiency) achieved at R=1/3 and DO=4 mg L(-1).
• Lower nitrogen removal rates observed at R=1 and R=3 due to reduced aeration duration.

Conclusions:

• Aeration strategy significantly impacts deammonification efficiency in MBBRs.
• Intermittent aeration with optimized DO and phase ratios is crucial for high nitrogen removal.
• Findings provide valuable insights for enhancing wastewater treatment processes through controlled aeration.