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Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in continuous flow MBBR with novel surface-modified carriers.
Tao Liu1, Guangyue Jia1, Jiawei Xu1
1Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China.
Environmental Technology
|February 26, 2020
Summary
Novel surface-modified carriers enhance simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) in Moving-Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBRs). These carriers promote faster startup and higher removal efficiencies for COD, ammonia, and total nitrogen compared to conventional ones.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Moving-Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBRs) are effective for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND).
- Conventional MBBR carriers often have negative surface charges and hydrophobicity, hindering optimal biofilm formation.
- Improved carrier surface properties are crucial for enhancing MBBR performance in wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel surface-modified carriers for enhanced SND in MBBR systems.
- To investigate the impact of carrier surface hydrophilicity and charge on biofilm development and wastewater treatment efficiency.
- To compare the performance of modified carriers against conventional carriers in a continuous flow MBBR.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of carriers using polymer blending to achieve hydrophilicity and positive surface charge.
- Implementation of modified and conventional carriers in continuous flow MBBR systems for SND.
- Analysis of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies.
- Assessment of biomass development and functional bacterial communities on carrier surfaces.
Main Results:
- Surface-modified carriers exhibited increased hydrophilicity (contact angle 60.2°) and positive surface charge (+11.7 mV).
- MBBRs with modified carriers showed significantly higher COD (90.5%), NH4+-N (88.6%), and TN (76.6%) removal efficiencies.
- Modified carriers facilitated quicker SND startup and greater biomass accumulation compared to conventional carriers.
- Effluent quality from MBBRs with modified carriers met China's Grade A discharge standard.
Conclusions:
- Surface-modified carriers significantly improve SND performance in MBBRs by promoting biofilm formation and biomass.
- The enhanced carriers offer a superior microenvironment for diverse functional bacteria, enabling efficient nitrogen removal.
- This study presents a promising approach for upgrading MBBR technology for advanced wastewater treatment and nitrogen management.
