Biological Nitrogen Removal in a Photosequencing Batch Reactor with an Algal-Nitrifying Bacterial Consortium and Anammox Granules

Journal article (2016)

Authors

Nathan D. Manser University of South Florida Tampa
Meng Wang University of South Florida Tampa
Sarina J. Ergas University of South Florida Tampa
James R. Mihelcic University of South Florida Tampa
Arnold Mulder Amecon Environmental Consultancy
Jack van de Vossenberg IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
J.B. van Lier Sanitary Engineering - CEG , IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Peter van der Steen IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Research Group
Sanitary Engineering (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2016 Nathan D. Manser, Meng Wang, Sarina J. Ergas, James R. Mihelcic, Arnold Mulder, Jack Van De Vossenberg, J.B. van Lier, Peter Van Der Steen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.6b00034
More Info
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Published Date

12-04-2016

Language

English

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Water Management

Research Group

Sanitary Engineering

Abstract

This study demonstrates the feasibility of combining microalgae, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and Anammox in a photosequencing batch reactor. Alternating light and dark periods were applied to achieve biological nitrogen removal without mechanical aeration or external electron donor addition. This process is termed ALGAMMOX (algal anaerobic ammonium oxidation) and differs from the SHARON-Anammox process in that oxygen is generated during light periods through microalgal photosynthesis, replacing mechanical aeration. Results from bench-scale ALGAMMOX experiments with high-ammonia strength wastewater (COD/TN from 1 to 3) showed that influent ammonia was converted to nitrite during light periods at a rate of 7.0 mg of NH4 +-N L-1 h-1. Nitrite was subsequently reduced by an average of 82% during the dark (anoxic) periods due to Anammox activity. Further studies are needed to optimize the system to maximize nitrogen removal rates and to assess long-term process stability.