Biological nutrient removal using a novel laboratory-scale twin fluidized-bed bioreactor

Mehran Andalib, George Nakhla, Jesse Zhu

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The capability of biological nutrient removal from wastewater of a novel laboratory-scale twin fluidized-bed bioreactor (TFBBR) was studied. The work showed approximately 96% organic matter, 84% nitrogen, and 12% phosphorus removal efficiencies in the first three phases of the study at influent synthetic municipal wastewater (SMW) flow rates of 150, 190, and 240 L/d, with corresponding organic loading rates of 1.3, 1.7, and 2.3 kg COD m-3 d-1 and nitrogen loading rates of 0.14, 0.18 and 0.25 kg N m-3 d-1. The TFBBR effluent was characterized by <1.0mg NH4-N/L, <4.3mg NO3-N/L, <6mg TN/L, <6mg SBOD/L, and 6-10 mg VSS/L. For the three phases, biomass yields of 0.06, 0.066, and 0.071 g VSS/g COD were observed, respectively, which was a significant further reduction in yield compared to the liquid-solid circulating fluidized-bed bioreactor technology developed and patented by this research group, of 0.12-0.16g VSS/g COD. The very low yield was due to a longer solid retention time of 72-108 d.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1125-1136
Number of pages12
JournalChemical Engineering and Technology
Volume33
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biofilm
  • Biological nutrients removal (bnr)
  • Biomass yield
  • Fluidized-bed bioreactors (fbr)
  • Nitrification-denitrification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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