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A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities

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Published on: December 25, 2015

Upgrading activated sludge systems and reduction in excess sludge.

Hossein Hazrati¹, Jalal Shayegan

¹Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Bioresource Technology

|September 24, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study retrofitted wastewater treatment plants in Tehran, Iran, using membrane bioreactor and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors. The enhanced system achieved 98% COD removal, increasing capacity fivefold and reducing sludge tenfold.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Engineering
Wastewater Treatment Technologies

Background:

Many activated sludge plants in Iran are overloaded, leading to low treatment efficiency.
Conventional systems struggle with capacity and sludge production.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate a retrofitted pilot plant using membrane bioreactor and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors for enhanced wastewater treatment.
To assess the impact of this retrofit on plant capacity and sludge reduction.

Main Methods:

A pilot plant was constructed and operated using enriched municipal wastewater.
A membrane bioreactor and an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor served as pretreatment units.
Optimized retention time and performance metrics were recorded.

Main Results:

The retrofitted system achieved an optimal retention time of 4 hours.
An overall Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency of 98% was attained.
Plant capacity increased by a factor of 5, and excess sludge reduced by a factor of 10.

Conclusions:

Retrofitting activated sludge plants with membrane bioreactor and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors significantly improves efficiency and capacity.
This approach offers a viable solution for overloaded wastewater treatment facilities, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
The study demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced treatment units in managing municipal wastewater challenges.