Abstract
Aerobic granulation in sequencing batch reactors is widely reported in literature and in particular
in SBAR (Sequencing batch airlift reactor) configuration, due to the high localised hydrodynamic shear
forces that occur in this type of configuration. The aim of this work was to observe the phenomenon of the
aerobic granulation and to confirm the excellent removal efficiencies that can be achieved with this
technology. In order to do that, a laboratory-scale plant, inoculated with activated sludge collected from a
conventional WWTP, was operated for 64 days: 42 days as a SBAR and 22 days as a SBBC (sequencing
batch bubble column). The performances of the pilot plant showed excellent organics removal. COD and
BOD removal efficiencies were respectively, 93 and 94%; on the contrary, N-removal efficiency was
extremely low (5%–45%). The granules dimensions increased during the whole experimentation; change of
reactor configuration contributed to further improve this aspect. The experimental work confirmed the
essential role of hydraulic settling time in the formation of aerobic granules and in the sludge settleability and
the need to find an optimum between granule size and oxygen supply to achieve good N-removal efficiency.
Keywords Aerobic granular sludge; biomass density; GSBR; SBAR; SBBC; settleability
Lingua originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 125-133 |
Numero di pagine | 9 |
Rivista | Water Science and Technology |
Volume | 55 |
Stato di pubblicazione | Published - 2007 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- ???subjectarea.asjc.2300.2305???
- ???subjectarea.asjc.2300.2312???