Nitrogen Removal In Sequencing Batch Reactor Research Articles

Modeling and Dynamic Simulation of Activated Sludge Process in Sequencing Batch Reactor

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a modeling and simulation study of an activated sludge process in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), with emphasis on total nitrogen removal. This study focuses on the effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) and the phase length of aeration on the effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen removal in SBR, so that the effluent COD and nitrogen removal can be maintained at the desired values. Simulation results show that operation of a SBR can be optimized by adjusting the DO set point, and that there is a close relationship between the DO concentration and respiration rate.

Wastewater nitrogen removal in SBRs, applying a step-feed strategy: from lab-scale to pilot-plant operation

One of the problems of nitrogen removal from wastewater when applying sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technology, is the specific use of organic matter for denitrification purposes. Since easily biodegradable organic matter is rapidly consumed under aerobic or anoxic conditions (i.e. aerobic oxidation or anoxic denitrification, respectively), it is an important factor to consider when scaling up SBRs from the laboratory to real plant operation. In this paper, we present the results obtained in relation to scaling up reactors from lab-scale to pilot-plant scale, treating real wastewater from two different locations: the laboratory and in situ, respectively. In order to make using easily biodegradable organic matter more efficient, the filling phases of SBR cycles were adjusted according to a step-feed strategy composed of 6 anoxic-aerobic events. Feeding only occurred during anoxic phases. The results obtained demonstrated that the methodology may be useful in treating real wastewater with high carbon and nitrogen variations, as it always kept effluent levels lower than the official standards require (effluent total COD lower than 125 mg COD/L and effluent Total Nitrogen lower than 15 mg N/L).