Performance evaluation of an UASB reactor used for combined treatment of domestic sewage and excess aerobic sludge from a trickling filter

Abstract

This work aimed at evaluating the influence of the excess sludge produced in a trickling filter (TF) on the performance of a UASB reactor used for the combined treatment of domestic sewage and aerobic sludge. During phase 1 of the research, the UASB reactor/TF system was fed with domestic sewage pumped directly from the sewer collector of Arrudas stream, in Belo Horizonte-Brazil. During phase 2, besides feeding the reactor with domestic sewage, the UASB reactor was also fed with the aerobic sludge from the trickling filter. The UASB reactor, with a volume of 420 litres, was operated at a mean hydraulic detention time of 5.6 hours in both operational phases. After 133 days of continuous monitoring, no detrimental effect was noticed on the performance of the UASB reactor regarding the return of the aerobic sludge produced in the TF. On the contrary, the COD results indicated a higher percentage of compliance with the discharge standards set forth by the Brazilian environmental legislation. During phase 2 of the research, when the UASB reactor was used for combined treatment of domestic sewage and excess aerobic sludge from the TF, the anaerobic effluent presented mean concentrations of 108 mgCOD x L(-1), 57 mgBOD x L(-1) and 18 mgTSS x L(-1).