Enhanced biological phosphate removal by granular sludge in a sequencing batch reactor

Dulekgurgen E., Ovez S., Artan N., Orhon D.

BIOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS, vol.25, pp.687-693, 2003 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 25
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Doi Number: 10.1023/a:1023495710840
  • Journal Name: BIOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.687-693
  • Keywords: enhanced biological phosphate removal, granular sludge, morphology, sequencing batch reactor, sludge volume index, PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL, ACTIVATED-SLUDGE, SYSTEMS
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

A laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor was started-up with flocculated biomass and operated primarily for enhanced biological phosphate removal. Ten weeks after the start-up, gradual formation of granular sludge was observed. The compact biomass structure allowed halving the settling time, the initial reactor volume, and doubling the influent COD concentration. Continued operation confirmed the possibility of maintaining a stable granular biomass with a sludge volume index less than 40 ml g(-1), while securing a removal efficiency of 95% for carbon, 99.6% for phosphate, and 71% for nitrogen. Microscopic observations revealed a morphological diversity.