Optimization of Biological Nutrient Removal in a Membrane Bioreactor System
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 7
Abstract
The main objective of the present study is to develop a modified membrane bioreactor (MBR) system for the treatment of municipal wastewater for the enhanced biological removal of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) simultaneously with the ultimate goal of optimizing the two processes. The paper will address the implementation and optimization of the MBR process with respect to biological characteristics, operational performance, and effluent quality. The system utilizes anoxic P uptake and nitrification–denitrification in a MBR. Following optimization, the system achieved 99% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 98.4% , 77.5% TN, and 96.3% P removal producing effluent biological oxygen demand, COD, , and P of , 3, 0.4, 5.8, 0.050, and , respectively.
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Acknowledgments
The writers are grateful to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for funding this project and ZENON Environmental Systems Inc. for donating membranes.
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© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 17, 2003
Accepted: Oct 4, 2004
Published online: Jul 1, 2005
Published in print: Jul 2005
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