Bioaugmentation as a tool to accelerate the start-up of anoxic-oxic process in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant at low temperature

Abstract

Start up of anoxic-oxic process in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant at low temperature was studied in this paper. Bioaugmentation technology was used to accelerate the start up. Aeration rate and feed style of influent were also controlled as associated measure to reduce the negative effect of low temperature on start up. The results showed that the process was successfully started up in 15 days. The removal efficiencies of COD, TN and TP were 69%, 47% and 46%, respectively. Microscopic analysis showed that Suctorias, which were excellent indicators of good sludge, occurred in the biosolid in the last days of start up. As a conclusion, bioaugmentation seems to be a promising method to accelerate the start up of bioprocess in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant at low temperature.