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High rate biological contactor system using waste activated sludge from trickling filter/solids contact process
Tiow Ping Wong1, Roger W Babcock1, Bing Hu1
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
Summary
A high-rate biological contactor process offers primary wastewater treatment, removing organic matter for methane production. Optimal performance requires specific contact times and dissolved oxygen levels for effective biosorption and biomethane potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Conventional wastewater treatment often uses clarifiers for primary treatment.
- Waste activated sludge (WAS) is a byproduct of secondary treatment.
- Reducing energy demand in wastewater treatment is a key goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a high-rate biological contactor process (HRBC) as an alternative primary treatment.
- To investigate the impact of contact time and dissolved oxygen (DO) on biosorption and methane production.
- To assess the biomethane potential (BMP) of material treated by HRBC.
Main Methods:
- Pilot and bench-scale tests of the HRBC process.
- Varied contact times (15-60 min) and DO levels (0.2-2.0 mg/L).
- Utilized waste activated sludge (WAS) from a trickling filter/solids contact (TF/SC) process.
Main Results:
- Optimal biosorption occurred at contact times >30 min and DO >0.5 mg/L.
- Average soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) capture was 20%.
- HRBC float material exhibited high biomethane potential (340-400 mL CH4/g VS).
Conclusions:
- HRBC can serve as an effective primary treatment, reducing energy demand.
- Biosorption efficiency is influenced by contact time and DO.
- Biosorption is most effective when WAS is matched with its originating wastewater.
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