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Substrate inhibition and concentration control in an UASB-Anammox process
Haiyuan Ma1, Qigui Niu2, Yanlong Zhang1
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aza, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan.
Bioresource Technology
|April 25, 2017
Summary
This study shows that controlling influent total nitrogen (TN) below 451.1mg/L is key for stable performance in UASB-Anammox reactors. Anammox sludge activity varies significantly with reactor height.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors combined with Anammox processes are crucial for nitrogen removal.
- Understanding process performance under varying nitrogen loading rates (NLR) and substrate concentrations is essential for optimizing wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of nitrogen loading rate (NLR) and substrate concentration on UASB-Anammox reactor performance.
- To determine the threshold for influent total nitrogen (TN) concentration for stable reactor operation.
- To analyze the spatial variation in Anammox activity within the reactor.
Main Methods:
- Long-term operation of a UASB-Anammox reactor for over a year.
- Simulation of inhibition concentrations (IC10, IC50) and influent TN thresholds.
- Measurement of specific Anammox activity at different reactor heights.
Main Results:
- Stable TN removal efficiency was achieved when influent TN was controlled below 451.1 mg/L.
- Significant variations in specific Anammox activity were observed from the bottom (348 mgN/gVSS/d) to the top (3 mgN/gVSS/d) of the reactor.
- Anammox sludge in the bottom part exhibited 100 times greater nitrogen removal capacity than the top sludge after long-term acclimation.
Conclusions:
- Influent TN concentration below 451.1 mg/L is critical for achieving stable and high removal efficiency in UASB-Anammox reactors.
- Substrate distribution and acclimation significantly influence Anammox activity along the reactor height.
- Optimizing reactor design and operation can enhance nitrogen removal capacity through tailored sludge management.
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