[Start-up and maintenance method for short-cut advanced nitrogen removal process in a pilot-scale reactor at low...

In order to test the start-up and maintain method for short-cut advanced nitrogen removal process at low temperature, this study used a pilot-scale SBR process with a working volume of 7.0 m3 to treat domestic wastewater. Real-time control strategy based on blower frequency (BF) and pH was applied to control the pilot-scale SBR process. Results showed that short-cut nitrification process achieved within 50 days at low temperature (11-16 degrees C), and the nitrite accumulation rate (NAR) of SBR process increased from 19.8% to 90%. Short-cut nitrification process in pilot-scale SBR was maintained for as long as 550 days in the temperature range of 9-28 degrees C, and NAR was maintained above 95%. Meanwhile, the total nitrogen (TN) in effluent was 3 mg x L(-1) and the TN removal efficiency was above 95%. Therefore, it is feasible to start-up and maintain the short-cut advanced nitrogen removal process under low temperature condition in the SBR process.