Performance of Sequencing Batch Reactor Activated Sludge Processes for Simultaneous Removal of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Bod as Applied to Small Community Sewage Treatment

Abstract

Laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) activated sludge process was fed with synthetic wastewater to clarify the possibility of simultaneous removal of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic substances by modifying operational schedule. Anoxic and/or anaerobic reactions in addition to aerobic reactions were introduced into a cycle of batch operation. Simultaneous removal of nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon was shown to be possible by the modified operation of SBR into which reactions without aeration (anoxic/anaerobic) were introduced during the fill period. Oxidized nitrogen remaining in the reactor at the end of the former cycle was removed by denitrification during the fill. Anaerobic conditions after the denitrification was completed enhanced phosphorus release from the sludge and the following luxury uptake during aeration removed phosphorus from water. Both extension and reduction of anoxic/anaerobic period in the beginning of a cycle damaged phosphorus removal and sludge settlability. Thus, an optimum length of period for these reactions must be chosen for successful operations. The best length of this period coincided with that of the fill within the range of this study.