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Performance evaluation and model-based optimization of the mainstream deammonification in an integrated fixed-film
Mohamad-Javad Mehrani1, Mohammad Azari2, Burkhard Teichgräber3
1Department of Urban Water- and Waste Management, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 15, 45141, Essen, Germany; Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233, Gdansk, Poland.
Bioresource Technology
|March 8, 2022
Summary
Optimizing intermittent aeration in mainstream deammonification significantly boosts nitrogen removal. This strategy enhances nitrogen removal efficiency and rate, even with fluctuating temperatures in integrated fixed-film activated sludge systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Mainstream deammonification offers a cost-effective nitrogen removal pathway.
- Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) systems are crucial for advanced wastewater treatment.
- Understanding temperature effects on deammonification is vital for stable performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and optimize mainstream deammonification in an IFAS pilot plant.
- To evaluate the impact of seasonal temperature variations on deammonification performance.
- To enhance nitrogen removal rate (NRR) and efficiency (NRE) through dynamic aeration control.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an IFAS pilot plant simulating natural temperature fluctuations.
- Applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to correlate performance parameters.
- Implemented long-term (30-day) dynamic intermittent aeration optimization with Dissolved Oxygen (DO) set-point control.
Main Results:
- Decreasing temperatures during winter impacted deammonification performance.
- Optimized intermittent aeration (DO 0.2-0.25 mgO2/L, on/off ratio 0.05) increased NRE from 30% to >50%.
- Optimized aeration also boosted NRR from 15 to 25 gN/m3d.
Conclusions:
- A novel long-term dynamic aeration optimization strategy effectively enhances mainstream deammonification.
- This approach improves nitrogen removal efficiency and rate under variable temperature conditions.
- The findings provide a powerful tool for optimizing deammonification in wastewater treatment plants.
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