Journal
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Volume 75, Issue 4, Pages 782-792Publisher
IWA PUBLISHING
DOI: 10.2166/wst.2016.561
Keywords
algal-bacterial consortium; high strength wastewater treatment; light attenuation; mathematical model; photobioreactor; shortcut nitrogen removal
Funding
- 'Erasmus Mundus International Master of Science in Environmental Technology and Engineering' program, EACEA [2011-0172]
- National Science Foundation [1243510, 1511439]
- Directorate For Engineering
- Div Of Chem, Bioeng, Env, & Transp Sys [1511439] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
- Office Of Internatl Science &Engineering
- Office Of The Director [1243510] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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A shortcut nitrogen removal process was investigated for treatment of high ammonium strength wastewater using an algal-bacterial consortium in photo-sequencing batch reactors (PSBRs). In this process, algae provide oxygen for nitritation during the light period, while denitritation takes place during the dark (anoxic) period, reducing overall energy and chemical requirements. Two PSBRs were operated at different solids retention times (SRTs) and fed with a high ammonium concentration wastewater (264 mg NH4+-N L-1), with a `12 hour on, 12 hour off' light cycle, and an average surface light intensity of 84 mu mol m(-2) s(-1). High total inorganic nitrogen removal efficienci es (similar to 95%) and good biomass settleability (sludge volume index 53-58 mL g(-1)) were observed in both PSBRs. Higher biomass density was observed at higher SRT, resulting in greater light attenuation and less oxygen production. A mathematical model was developed to describe the algal-bacterial interactions, which was based on Activated Sludge Model No. 3, modified to include algal processes. Model predictions fit the experimental data well. This research also proposes an innovative holistic approach to water and energy recovery. Wastewater can be effectively treated in an anaerobic digester, generating energy from biogas, and later post-treated using an algal-bacterial PSBR, which produces biomass for additional biogas production by co-digestion.
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