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Partial Nitrification and Denitrifying Phosphorus Removal in a Pilot-Scale ABR/MBR Combined Process.
Peng Wu1, Lezhong Xu1, Jianfang Wang1
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China.
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|September 29, 2015
Summary
This study presents a combined anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) for efficient municipal wastewater nutrient removal. The system achieved high removal rates for chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus with low energy demands.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Microbial Ecology
Background:
- Conventional wastewater treatment struggles with energy demands and nutrient removal efficiency.
- Developing integrated systems for enhanced nutrient removal is crucial for environmental protection.
- Combined anaerobic and aerobic processes offer potential for improved wastewater management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a pilot-scale combined anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) for municipal wastewater treatment.
- To assess the system's efficiency in nutrient removal (COD, TN, TP) with a focus on low energy consumption and ease of management.
- To identify key microbial populations and their roles in the treatment process.
Main Methods:
- A pilot-scale ABR-MBR system was operated under controlled conditions (HRT, recycle ratios, DO).
- Effluent quality parameters including COD, NH4(+)-N, TN, and TP were monitored.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to analyze microbial community composition (AOB, PAOs).
Main Results:
- The ABR-MBR system achieved high effluent quality: COD (25 mg/L), NH4(+)-N (4 mg/L), TN (11 mg/L), and TP (0.7 mg/L).
- Significant TN removal (51%) occurred via short-cut denitrification in the ABR.
- The MBR contributed to nitrogen removal (11%) through simultaneous nitrification and denitrification and achieved 84% TP removal due to phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs).
- Partial nitrification and nitrite accumulation (4 mg/L) were observed in the MBR, inhibiting nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB).
Conclusions:
- The combined ABR-MBR process is effective for municipal wastewater treatment, offering high nutrient removal efficiencies.
- The system demonstrates potential for low energy demand and simplified management.
- Enrichment of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and PAOs in the ABR-MBR system supports its efficient nutrient removal capabilities.
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