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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Reactors and active biomass potential as inoculum for nitrogen removal
Rosana Oliveira Menezes1, Tiago Palladino Delforno2, Daniele Damasceno Silveira3
1School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism - FEC, at UNICAMP (State University of Campinas), Avenida Albert Einstein, 951, Cidade Universitária "Zeferino Vaz", P.O. Box 6021, 13083-852 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
The potential of three different kind of reactors and active biomass to be used as inoculum for nitrogen removal was verified. Sludge samples were collected from a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), a previous tank of a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) and a Trickling Filter (TF). Samples were compared according to bacterial activity in batch tests and their microbiology (16 s rRNA sequences). The microorganisms examined were: AOB, NOB, anammox bacteria and OHO. Results showed that the richest sample was from MBR (Chao value equals 581). However, the bacterial activity was greater in MBBR sample (qAOO,NH4 equals 0.002 mgN·mgVSS-1·h-1; qNOO,NO2_NO3 equals 0.001 mgN·mgVSS-1·h-1 and qNOX_N2,SB equals 10.0 mgN·mgVSS-1·h-1). Therefore, MBBR WWTP was shown to have the best inoculum and operating conditions for nitrogen conversion and removal. Besides, if aeration is provided as low as necessary for AOB to start the activity in denitrification tank, simultaneous partial nitrification, and denitrification (SPND) can occur.
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