Adopting Primary Plastic Trickling Filters as a Solution for Enhanced Nitrification

Abstract

S im o n P. W ils o n 1*, S a b e h a K. O u k i2, D e v e n d ra P. S a r o j2, P e te A . P e a rc e 3; L o u is e B a n c r o ft3; Eve G e r m a in 3 ABSTRACT: The wastewater industry is under pressure to optimize performance of sewage treatment works (STW), while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. Using a process configuration selection matrix, this paper explores the practicability of placing a hypothetical cross flow structured plastic media (CFSP) trickling filter (TF) immediately ahead of an existing conventional trickling filter process (CTFP), without intermediate clarification. The viability of this configuration is subsequently demonstrated using an empirical multi species TF model. This predicts the enhanced nitrification performance of the CTFP by simulating prior removals of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The model predictions propose that prior 50-80% BOD removals can allow for further reductions in effluent ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4-N) concentrations of 40-70%, respectively. This illus trates that adopting low energy TF technologies can eliminate the requirement for more energy intensive alternatives, such as submerged aerated filters (SAF). Moreover, this configuration maximizes the potential of existing assets, while simultaneously improving nitrification robustness when compared with tertiary nitrification processes. Water Environ. Res., 87, 80 (2015).

Contemporary Techniques for Remediating Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Various Water Sources: Advances in Treatment Methods and Their Limitations

“…The secondary treatment contains activated sludge, which employs an aeration tank or dispersed-growth reactor containing microorganisms (consuming the organic matter and converting it into carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), water, and energy to enhance reproduction and development), mixed liquor, and a suspension of wastewater. The constituents of the aeration tank are agitated vigorously by the aerator, which then supplies required oxygen to the biological suspension [ 72 ]. The trickling filters in the secondary treatment phase serve as a support media where wastewater is applied intermittently or continuously over the media, such that, as the water flows, the microbes become linked to the media and build a fixed film.…”

“…Recently, several approaches for the elimination of EDCs from wastewater, including potable water, have been reported. These include the conventional treatment method, adsorption process, biological treatment based on enzymatic degradation, photocatalysis degradation, ozonation and oxidation processes, use of membrane filtration technique, and hybrid systems [24,43,71,72].…”

Wastewater Management Techniques: A Review of Advancement on the Appropriate Wastewater Treatment Principles for Sustainability

“…The process may also employ trickling filters, which are basins or tower filled with support media such as stones, plastic shapes, or wooden slats where wastewater is applied intermittently, or sometimes continuously, over the media (Wilson et al, 2015). As the waste flows, microorganisms become attached to the media and form a biological layer or fixed film.…”

“…The sloughed material is separated from the liquid in a secondary clarifier and discharged to sludge processing. Clarified liquid from the secondary clarifier is the secondary effluent and a portion is often recycled to the biofilter to improve hydraulic distribution of the wastewater over the filter (Wafler, 2008;Wilson et al, 2015). There may also be rotating biological contractors which are fixed-film reactors similar to biofilters in that organisms are attached to support media.…”

Enhancing the nitrogen removal from swine wastewater digested liquid in a trickling biofilter with a soil layer

“…TF has been widely used to treat domestic wastewater, piggery wastewater, textile wastewater, and leachate. 14 The biochemical process is the main pollutant removal pathway, whereby the microbes growing on the surface of the lter material play the major role. 15 Hence, the characteristics of the lter material are key factors affecting the efficiency of TF.…”