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Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor

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Published on: October 15, 2015

Acetate-triggered granular sludge floatation in methanogenic bioreactors.

Shanquan Wang¹, Zhiwei Liang²

¹School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou, 510275, China.

|November 13, 2016

Summary

Excessive acetate triggers floating granular sludge in anaerobic bioreactors, impacting wastewater treatment. Acetate-depletion and co-substrate addition effectively control this issue.

Keywords:

Acetate Granules Methanogenic bioreactor Sludge floatation UASB VFAs

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Microbiology
Chemical Engineering

Background:

Methanogenic granular sludge is crucial for treating high-strength industrial wastewaters.
Sludge floatation is a common problem in anaerobic bioreactors, leading to granule washout and reduced performance.
Understanding the causes and control of granular sludge floatation is essential for effective wastewater treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify the key factors triggering granular sludge floatation.
To investigate the role of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), particularly acetate, in sludge floatation.
To develop and evaluate strategies for controlling granular sludge floatation.

Main Methods:

Correlation analysis between VFA concentrations (acetate, propionate, butyrate) and floating granule amounts.
Microbial community profiling and analysis of granule spatial distribution.
Assessment of operational parameters influencing sludge floatation.
Evaluation of acetate-depletion and co-substrate addition strategies.

Main Results:

Acetate concentration, not other VFAs or sludge properties, showed a positive linear correlation with floating granules.
Acetate-rich wastewater led to significantly more floating granules compared to propionate, butyrate, or VFA-free wastewater.
A model for acetate-triggered sludge floatation was proposed, considering microbial, structural, and operational factors.
Acetate-depletion reduced floating granules by 28.5%, and co-substrate addition by 51.6%.

Conclusions:

Acetate is the primary trigger for granular sludge floatation in methanogenic bioreactors.
Acetate-depletion and co-substrate addition are effective control strategies for sludge floatation.
This study enhances the understanding of sludge floatation mechanisms and provides practical solutions for bioreactor management.