Title: Study on enhanced biological phosphorus removal using membrane bioreactor at different sludge retention times

Authors: Zhichao Zhang, Xia Huang

Addresses: State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. ' State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

Abstract: An enhanced biological phosphorus removal process coupled with membrane bioreactor was proposed. Four runs were operated at different Sludge Retention Times (SRTs) of 20, 30, 40 and 50 d. Although average phosphorus removal tended to drop with SRT, the total phosphorus removal over 85% could be still achieved if the SRT was maintained under 40 d. Phosphorus-content in the sludge increased with SRT, but has a limit of around 5.6–5.8% mgP/gMLSS. Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPSs) are a pool for phosphorus stored. Phosphorus-content in the EPS per EPS increased as the SRT increased.

Keywords: EBPR; enhanced biological phosphorus removal; MBR; membrane bioreactors; SRT; sludge retention time; EPS; extracellular polymeric substances; wastewater treatment; water pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2011.039081

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2011 Vol.45 No.1/2/3, pp.15 - 24

Published online: 29 Apr 2015 *

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