Influence of Biofilm Density on Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor Treating Mustard Tuber Wastewater

Abstract

Considering the characteristics of high salinity, high concentration of organic matter, and high biodegradability, a new and efficient anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR) was chosen as an anaerobic pretreatment unit to treat most organic compounds in mustard tuber wastewater. By changing the biofilm density of the reactor, the test was carried out to find out the influence of biofilm density on effluent COD, the content of the sludge dehydrogenase, and gas production rate. Results showed that under the condition of 30 °C, draining ratio of 1/3, and 2 days of hydraulic retention time, COD removal rate increased from 71.5 to 90.5 % when the biofilm density increased from 15 to 50 %; however, COD removal rate increased from 90.5 to 91.3 % when the biofilm density increased from 50 to 70 %. According to the influence of biofilm density on effluent COD, the content of the sludge dehydrogenase, and gas production rate, ASBBR should take 50 % biofilm density in mustard wastewater treatment. At the same time, these design parameters can be used to guide practical engineering.