Title: Influence of organic loading on nitrogen removal in a partially aerated submerged filter

Authors: Cai-Ling Deng, Joo-Hwa Tay, Stephen Tiong-Lee Tay

Addresses: Department of Pacific Applied Research, Nalco Pacific Pte Ltd., 21 Gul Lane, Singapore. ' Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering Private Limited, Nanyang Technological University, 18 Nanyang Drive, Singapore. ' Division of Environmental and Water Resources, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Abstract: Influence of organic loading on simultaneous removal of organic carbon and nitrogen was investigated in a partially aerated submerged filter. This study indicates that high removal rates of organic carbon and nitrogen can be achieved in a single reactor. Organic loading had significant influence on nitrogen removal. Increase in COD loading promoted microanoxic conditions established within aerobic biofilms and facilitated denitrification occurring simultaneously with nitrification. This led to the nitrogen removal efficiencies increased from 27% to 77%. The results of this work are significant in developing compact biological system to treat wastewater with high concentrations of organics and nitrogen.

Keywords: organic loading; denitrification; nitrogen removal; partially aerated submerged filter; organic carbon; COD loading; chemical oxygen demand; wastewater treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2010.032007

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2010 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.252 - 268

Published online: 04 Mar 2010 *

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