Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal in an aerobic granular sludge sequencing batch reactor with high dissolved oxygen: Effects of carbon to nitrogen ratios

Abstract

Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal (SNDPR) using aerobic granules is a promising approach in water treatment. The present work investigated the effects of influent carbon to nitrogen (N) ratios (20, 10, and 4) on the SNDPR performance in aerobic granular sequencing batch reactors (AGSBR) under high aeration rate. Results revealed that granules remained long-term stability when the DO concentration was 7–8 mg/L. With the decline of COD/N ratios, the denitrification efficiency was reduced due to the accumulation of nitrate, although the removal of COD and TP remained stable with good efficiency. Rising concentration of ammonia N led to the increase of PN/PS ratio of EPS as well as the protein types according to the results of 3D-EEM fluorescence spectroscopy. MiSeq pyrosequencing technology indicated that the decreasing ratio of COD/N under high DO concentration contributed to accumulation of GAOs and DNPAOs rather than PAOs.