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A STUDY OF NITRATE RESPIRATION IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS
Citation:
Beer, C. A STUDY OF NITRATE RESPIRATION IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-80/154.
Description:
In an experimental, 570-cum/day (0.15-mgd) activated sludge plant treating domestic wastewater from a correctional facility, 76 to 87 percent nitrogen removal was obtained via sludge synthesis and biological denitrification using endogenous H-donors in a compartmentalized reactor with alternating aerobic and anoxic zones. Between 27 and 48 percent of the influent nitrogen was removed by denitrification and between 37 and 49 percent via sludge synthesis. The process was operated for 8 mo. under comprehensive analytical control. Ferric chloride (FeCl3) was used to enhance phosphorus removal. The lowest winter temperature measured in the aeration tank was 15.9C. An in-line surge tank was employed for flow equalization. Primary settling was not utilized in the first 5 mo. of operation during the 1974-75 winter. This change in treatment strategy reduced nitrogen removal from 82 percent to 78 percent by reducing sharply the amount of nitrogen removed via sludge synthesis.