Aplicação de coagulantes no afluente de reator anaeróbio de leito expandido alimentado com esgoto sanitário.

Abstract

SANTOS, H.R. (2001) Application of coagulants to anaerobic expanded bed reactor influent fed by domestic wastewater. Sao Carlos, 2001. 151p. Master Degree Dissertation Sao Carlos School of Engineering, University of Sao Paulo. Anaerobic reactors for wastewater treatment have high capacity in removing organic matter and lower costs in comparison with aerobic processes. Nevertheless, anaerobic reactors generally are less efficient in nutrient removal and their effluents may present relatively high COD and total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations. Hence, the application of ferric chloride (FeCl3) and flocculant aids to a full-scale (Volume = 32 m; HRT = 3,2 h) anaerobic expanded bed reactor influent was investigated to improve removal of COD, turbidity, phosphorous and solids. Methanogenic activity tests were conducted to evaluate toxicity of ferric chloride against methanogenic anaerobic reactor sludge. Tests showed that no toxic effect occurred before concentrations of FeCl3 reached 500 mg/l. Conventional bench-scale jar tests were conducted and ferric chloride was tested in combination with a cationic polymer, an anionic polymer and natural potato starch. Best results were obtained when ferric chloride was employed with anionic polymer. Average daily removal rates were increased from 64% to 71% for COD, from 47% to 59% for turbidity, from 17% to 31% for phosphorous and from 52% to 77% for TSS when dosages close to 40 mg/l of ferric chloride and 1,0 mg/l of anionic polymer were applied to anaerobic expanded bed reactor influent. Key-words: anaerobic expanded bed reactor; domestic wastewater; coagulation; ferric chloride; flocculation aids; potato starch.