Pilot plant test for removal of organic matter, N and P from whisky pot ale

Abstract

A pilot scale anaerobic treatment test was performed for non-diluted whisky pot ale using a UAF reactor. Removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand by potassium dichromate oxidation (COD Cr) exceeded 76% with a COD Cr loading rate of 20 kg m −3 d −1, while 80% or more of organic nitrogen was converted into NH 4 +N, and 90% or more of the organic phosphorus into PO 4 3−P. In a MAP (MgNH 4PO 4) reactor, both approx. 20% of NH 4 +N and 90% or more of PO 4 3−P were simultaneously removed. Approximately 70% of the total nitrogen content were removed by the following biological denitrification and nitrification with recirculation. Residual PO 4 3−P and colour components were completely removed by coagulation-separation treatment. Only 330 mg l −1 of NO 3 −N remained in this pilot plant test.