Influence of organic loading on nitrogen removal in a partially aerated submerged filter

Abstract

Influence of organic loading on simultaneous removal of organic carbon and nitrogen was investigated in a partially aerated submerged filter. This study indicates that high removal rates of organic carbon and nitrogen can be achieved in a single reactor. Organic loading had significant influence on nitrogen removal. Increase in COD loading promoted microanoxic conditions established within aerobic biofilms and facilitated denitrification occurring simultaneously with nitrification. This led to the nitrogen removal efficiencies increased from 27% to 77%. The results of this work are significant in developing compact biological system to treat wastewater with high concentrations of organics and nitrogen.