Title: Nitrogen removal in a Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor: effect of carbon availability and intermittent aeration

Authors: M. Vieira, A.G. Brito, R. Nogueira

Addresses: IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal. ' IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal. ' IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effects of carbon availability and intermittent aeration on nitrogen removal in a Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor (SBBR). The percentage of nitrogen removal in the SBBRs operating with dump fill and slow fill with optimum intermittent aeration was quite similar, 75.7% and 69.2%, respectively, indicating that intermittent aeration allowed a considerable energy saving without compromising significantly nitrogen removal. Accumulation of storage polymers by heterotrophic bacteria was only observed in the dump fill mode of operation. FISH analyses of the biofilm indicated that ammonia-oxidisers belonged to the beta-subclass Proteobacteria and nitrite-oxidisers were affiliated with the genus Nitrospira.

Keywords: SBBR; sequencing batch biofilm reactors; nitrification; denitrification; intermittent aeration; nitrogen removal; carbon availability; intermittent aeration; energy saving; wastewater treatment; activated sludge.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2009.031839

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2009 Vol.6 No.2/3/4, pp.173 - 185

Published online: 25 Feb 2010 *

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