An Organic Loading Study of Full-Scale Sequencing Batch Reactors

• Published in: Journal - Water Pollution Control Federation 1985-01, Vol.57 (8), p.847-853
• Main Authors: Irvine, Robert L., Ketchum, Lloyd H., Arora, Madan L., Barth, Edwin F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activated sludge; Aeration; Applied sciences; batch culture; Biological and medical sciences; biological treatment; Biological treatment of waters; bioreactors; Biotechnology; Blowers; energy conservation; Energy consumption; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General purification processes; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Phosphorus; Plant Operations; Pollution; Pumps; reviews; Sequencing; Sludge; Sludge treatment; Wastewater treatment; Wastewaters; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0043-1303; 2327-7467

A two-tank sequencing batch reactor (SBR) received primary effluent on an alternating, fill-and-draw basis. During normal operation, the liquid level variations and MLSS concentrations of each basin were identical. During June and July 1984, one basin received approximately 95 ${\rm m}^{3}$ of primary effluent during each of five daily cycles and had an average of 3450 mg/L MLSS for an aeration time-adjusted, volatile solids-based organic loading of 0.16 kg ${\rm BOD}_{5}/{\rm kg}$ MLVSS·d. The other basin received 160 ${\rm m}^{3}$ per cycle, had 1950 mg/L MLSS an equivalent loading of 0.42 kg ${\rm BOD}_{5}/{\rm kg}$ MLVSS·d. Both basins were operated for biological phosphorus removal. The mass yield was 50% greater and the energy use (k Wh/kg ${\rm BOD}_{5}$ applied) 30% less in the more highly loaded system. Effluent ${\rm BOD}_{5}$ and SS averaged less than 10 mg/L. Effluent total phosphorus averaged 0.6 mg/L and 1.1 mg/L for the low and high loadings respectively.