Wastewater Treatment by Using Biofilm Technologies as a Low-Cost Solution for Rural Areas

Abstract

The increase of demands on treatment efficiency and cost effective solution for municipal and Industrial wastewater treatment technologies leads to new interest in the biofilm technology. Different fixed growth biofilm reactors are commercially used to increase wastewater treatment efficacy, saving space and energy. Aerated Submerged Fixed Biofilm Bed (SFBB) reactors work based on biofilms attached to plastic supports. Mixing and transport processes within the fixed media are achieved by the aeration in aerobic systems (oxidation of organic compounds and nitrification), and denitrification can be realized in anoxic conditions. The concept of application the moving bed in this study for denitrification reactor (MBDR) has been considered as a viable extension of the capabilities of a SFBB plant in the anaerobic-denitrification stage. Therefore, this novel study was implemented as pilot hybrid-reactor-container-plant to treat municipal wastewater of 200 PE, based on a combination of an aerated submerged fixed bed biofilm (SFBB) and an anoxic moving bed denitrification (MBDR) reactor. The one-year evaluation of this concept shows high nitrification, denitrification rates and, BOD reduction; by controlling the effluent (BOD5≤10 mg/l, COD ≤100 mg/l, TSS: ≤25 mg/l, NH4-: ≤2 mgN/l, NO3≤10 mgN/l)). However, Implementing of certain novel elements leads to improve operation process: (Mixing, intermediate solids removal unit, applicability of Moving bed for denitrification and submerged fixed film in aerobic reactor..etc).