Abstract
A lab-scale biofilm reactor for simultaneous removal of phosphorus and nitrate was operated for
one and a half years. Despite using only well defined synthetic wastewater and well defined operation, the
activity varied significantly over the months. It was speculated that microbial population shifts were causing
this phenomenon. This could also explain a sudden break down of the process following a slight change in
the operation. Over shorter periods of time (time-scale: days), the biofilm could be considered stable enough
to perform series of comparable batch experiments. Batch experiments with different start concentrations of
acetate, nitrate or phosphate were conducted. These verified 0.5 and 0 order removal rates in the bulk water
depending on the concentration. This was taken as an indication of a zonation of the biofilm. Due to the
measured variability in the activity and due to the importance of the history of the bacteria when considering
biological P removal, on-line measurements are strongly recommended for research on this subject.
Microbial characterisation methods are recommended as an assisting tool in further research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Water Science and Technology |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 335-342 |
| ISSN | 0273-1223 |
| Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- phosphorus removal
- on-line measurements
- biofilm
- Denitrification
- stability
- lab-scale