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Side-stream enhanced biological phosphorus removal (S2EBPR) process improves system performance - A full-scale
Dongqi Wang1, Nicholas B Tooker2, Varun Srinivasan2
1State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
A novel side-stream enhanced biological phosphorus removal (S2EBPR) process improves phosphorus removal and stability. This method promotes polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) over glycogen accumulating organisms (GAOs) for better wastewater treatment performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Wastewater Treatment Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) faces challenges with stability and carbon-to-phosphorus ratios.
- A side-stream EBPR (S2EBPR) process, incorporating a side-stream anaerobic reactor, is proposed as an alternative.
- Conventional anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A2O) processes have limitations in achieving optimal EBPR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance, microbial activity, and community structure of S2EBPR and conventional A2O processes.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of S2EBPR in improving phosphorus removal and process stability.
- To understand the microbial dynamics and metabolic pathways favoring PAOs in the S2EBPR configuration.
Main Methods:
- Full-scale pilot testing comparing side-by-side A2O and S2EBPR configurations.
- Mass balance analysis to quantify denitrification and EBPR contributions.
- Microbial community analysis, including PAO and GAO abundance and diversity.
- Assessment of PAO activity and metabolic pathway utilization.
Main Results:
- S2EBPR demonstrated superior P removal performance and stability compared to A2O, especially with intermittent mixing.
- Both denitrification and EBPR were enhanced in S2EBPR due to strategic sludge and influent diversion.
- Higher PAO activity and abundance were observed in S2EBPR, with a greater reliance on glycolysis.
- S2EBPR showed increased microbial diversity and a lower abundance of GAOs, indicating a competitive advantage for PAOs.
Conclusions:
- The S2EBPR configuration offers significant advantages for enhanced biological phosphorus removal, improving stability and efficiency.
- Extended anaerobic retention and controlled volatile fatty acid production in S2EBPR favor PAOs over GAOs.
- S2EBPR promotes sustained PAO activity and resilience, providing valuable insights for advanced wastewater treatment strategies.
