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Upgrading sequencing batch reactor using attached biofilm.

Hossam A Abdelaziz¹, Moharram Fouad², Mohamed Mossad²

¹Delta Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, Mansoura, Egypt.

Water Environment Research : a Research Publication of the Water Environment Federation

|March 15, 2021

Summary

Upgrading sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) with biofilm carriers significantly improves phenol removal from high-strength wastewater. This enhanced SBR system also boosts BOD5, COD, and TSS removal while reducing sludge production and improving settling.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Engineering
Biotechnology
Wastewater Treatment

Background:

Conventional sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) face challenges in effectively treating high-strength industrial wastewater, particularly phenol contamination.
The need for enhanced biological treatment systems with improved efficiency and stability is critical for managing complex wastewater streams.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy of upgrading a conventional SBR with fixed biofilm carriers for phenol removal from high-strength wastewater.
To evaluate the impact of operational conditions, including variable volume exchange ratio (VER), hydraulic retention time (HRT), and aeration time, on treatment performance.

Main Methods:

A conventional SBR was retrofitted with fixed biofilm carriers (specific surface area ~18 m ² m ^-3 ).

Keywords:

SBR SVI aeration time biofilm carriers excess sludge phenol

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The upgraded SBR was operated under various conditions, testing initial phenol concentrations up to 600 mg L ^-1 , VER up to 75%, HRT from 10.7-21.3 hr, and aeration times from 2-8 hr.

Performance was compared against the conventional SBR in terms of BOD ₅ , COD, TSS, and phenol removal efficiencies, as well as sludge characteristics.

Main Results:

The upgraded SBR demonstrated approximately 10% higher removal efficiencies for BOD ₅ , COD, and TSS compared to the conventional SBR when treating wastewater without phenol.
Phenol removal rate was enhanced by about 18% in the upgraded SBR at an initial concentration of 600 mg L ^-1 .
The upgraded system reduced aeration time by 25%, excess sludge production by 23% (lowering SVI by 33%), and increased daily operational cycles by 15%.

Conclusions:

Upgrading conventional SBRs with biofilm carriers is a necessary advancement for treating high-strength wastewater, especially those containing phenol.
The attached biofilm provides enhanced resistance to phenol compounds, leading to superior removal efficiencies.
The upgraded SBR offers improved sludge settling, reduced sludge yield, shorter start-up times, and greater operational stability, making it a highly effective wastewater treatment solution.