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How to Produce an Alternative Carbon Source for Denitrification by Treating and Drastically Reducing Biological
Maria Cristina Collivignarelli1,2, Alessandro Abbà3, Francesca Maria Caccamo1
1Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Membranes
|December 23, 2021
Summary
Minimizing biological sewage sludge (BSS) is achievable with a Thermophilic Alternate Membrane Biological Reactor (ThAlMBR). This technology offers high COD removal, low sludge production, and carbon recovery for denitrification.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Sludge Management
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) face challenges in minimizing biological sewage sludge (BSS).
- Developing sustainable methods for sludge reduction and resource recovery is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a semi-full scale Thermophilic Alternate Membrane Biological Reactor (ThAlMBR) for sludge minimization.
- To assess the ThAlMBR's performance in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and sludge production.
- To investigate the potential of recovering permeate for denitrification processes.
Main Methods:
- A semi-full scale ThAlMBR was operated for 12 months.
- The reactor was tested with thickened biological sewage sludge (TBSS) and digested biological sewage sludge (DBSS).
- Alternating aeration conditions were applied, and permeate quality was analyzed for denitrification potential using respirometric tests.
Main Results:
- Achieved high COD removal yields, up to 90%.
- Demonstrated low specific sludge production, ranging from 0.02-0.05 kg VS produced/kg COD removed.
- Permeate showed excellent biological treatability and comparable denitrification kinetics to methanol when used as an external carbon source.
- ThAlMBR proved compatible with both TBSS and DBSS, ensuring significant sludge minimization.
Conclusions:
- ThAlMBR is an effective technology for substantial biological sewage sludge minimization.
- The process allows for efficient COD removal and valuable resource recovery (carbon source for denitrification).
- ThAlMBR technology is versatile and applicable to different sludge streams within WWTPs.
Keywords:
carbon recoverycircular economynitrate uptake rate testsrespirometric testssludge minimizationthermophilic membrane reactorwastewater treatment plantMore Related Videos
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