[Analysis of Precipitation Formation in Biofilm CANUN Reactor and its effect on Nitrogen Removal]

A CANON reactor with polymeric sponge as carrier was started by incubating sludge from another CANON reactor using synthetic inorganic ammonia-rich wastewater as raw water, and was operated at 30 degrees C +/- 1 degree C, pH 6.92-8.52. The precipitation on the surface of carriers was studied in this paper, including influence on nitrogen removal efficiency, causes for formation and composition. The results showed that: (1) the precipitation could influence the distribution of substrate to undermine the performance of CANON reactors; (2) the precipitation was calcium carbohydrate; (3) the production of precipitation may be a common result of four effects that were the regulatory effect of microorganisms on pH value, stripping effect, the role of extracellular polymers, adsorption of sponge and simultaneous chemical, biological reactions; (4) once the precipitation formed, it was difficult to recover to normal. Therefore, some measures are necessary to avoid precipitation, including: (1) raw water pretreatment to reduce the concentrations of Ca2 and Mg2. (2) ensuring short-cut nitrification stable, which could avoid increase of pH because of reduction of DO; (3) we can choose other carriers to reduce precipitation, which must ensure the optimal total nitrogen removal performance and stable short-cut nitrification.