ABSTRACT
In this work, an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) was operated for 8 months to treat low strength sewage with high suspended organic matter content. Three phases of operation with increasing organic loading rates (OLR) were performed: 0.4 kg COD/m³ x d (phase I), 0 .8 kg COD/m³ x d (phase II) and 1.2 kg COD/m³ x d (phase III). Adequate stability parameters (pH, total alkalinity) were obtained through all three experimental phases. During phases I and II, the removal efficiencies of organic matter (expressed as total chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids ranged between 50-60 percent. However, these values decreased to 15-25 percent in phase III. In addition, a non-complex model, including hydrolysis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis, was applied to predict the reactor behavior.
Subject(s)
Animals , Anaerobic Digestion , Bacteria, Anaerobic/isolation & purification , Water Purification , Activated Sludges , Hydrolysis , Models, Theoretical , Suspended Solids/prevention & controlABSTRACT
A major challenge in developing countries concerning domestic wastewaters is to decrease their treatment costs. In the present study, a new cost-effective reactor called gradual concentric chambers (GCC) was designed and evaluated at lab-scale. The effluent quality of the GCC reactor was compared with that of an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor. Both reactors showed organic matter removal efficiencies of 90 percent; however, the elimination of nitrogen was higher in the GCC reactor. The amount of biogas recovered in the GCC and the UASB systems was 50 percent and 75 percent of the theoretical amount expected, respectively, and both reactors showed a slightly higher methane production when the feed was supplemented with an additive based on vitamins and minerals. Overall, the economical analysis, the simplicity of design and the performance results revealed that the GCC technology can be of particular interest for sewage treatment in developing countries.