Biological phosphorus removal in a sequencing batch moving bed biofilm reactor

Abstract

Experiments have been carried out with biological phosphorus removal in a sequencing batch moving bed biofilm reactor (SBMBBR) with a plastic biofilm carrier (Kaldnes) suspended in the wastewater. The aim of the research leading to this paper was to evaluate biological phosphorus removal in this type of biofilm process. Biological phosphorus removal can be achieved in a moving bed biofilm reactor operated as a sequencing batch reactor. In order to achieve good and stable phosphorus removal over time, the length of the anaerobic period should be tuned to achieve near complete removal of easily biodegradable COD in the anaerobic period. The total COD-loading rate must at the same time be kept high enough to achieve a net growth of biomass in the reactor. Use of multivariate models based on UV-absorption spectra and measurements of the redox potential show potential for control of such a process.