Enhanced biogas production and substrate degradation through the intermittent operation of modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket–static granular bed reactor series

Abstract

In the present study, the performance of a modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (MUASB) reactor–static granular bed reactor (SGBR) series in intermittent operation was analyzed for the treatment of synthetic wastewater. The reactor series was operated with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h. The maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and biogas production of the reactor series obtained during the intermittent operation were 99 ± 0.29% and 0.529 ± 0.03 m3/kg CODdigested, respectively. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant difference in biogas production during continuous and intermittent operations, whereas the COD removal was similar. Intermittent operation of the reactor series yielded a 56.05% increase in biogas production when compared with the continuous operation. The reactor series was maintained stable throughout the operational period. The maximum total suspended solids (TSS) removal and total nitrogen (TN) removal of the reactor series during the intermittent operation were 91.67% and 72.37%, respectively. Intermittent operation of the reactor series can be considered advantageous because of the reduced operational cost and enhanced biogas production in addition to COD removal. Practitioner Points Intermittent operation of MUASB–SGBR series in terms of COD removal is evaluated. COD removal of reactor series was similar in intermittent and continuous operation. Biogas production in intermittent operation was superior to continuous operation. Reactor series performance is also compared with continuous operation using one‐way ANOVA.

Evaluation of the effect of copper on the restart of a novel combined two‐stage anaerobic digester

“…The initial COD removal of the MUASB reactor during Phase II was 20% greater than Phase I, whereas the overall COD removal was similar in both phases. Anaerobic kinetics are slower, and as a result, the influent substrate might get adsorbed to the biomass rapidly before degradation (Mariraj Mohan & Swathi, 2022b). Adsorption of the substrate by the excess EPS secreted because of the presence of copper might have enhanced the initial COD removal of the MUASB reactor during Phase II when compared with that during Phase I.…”

A Short Review on Dye-Wastewater Valorization Using Up-Flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactors

“…It is also linked with the up-flow velocity chosen for UASB operation. When the up-flow velocity is higher than 1.5 m/h, sludge disintegration and biomass washout may occur, reducing the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) [17]. In addition, OLR impacts microbial activity and biodegradation performance.…”

“…The thermophilic temperature (50-65 • C) assures higher process stability and biogas production [18]. Still, a temperature range of 30-40 • C effectively maintained methanogen activity and reactor stability [17]. The following section presents a comprehensive summary of influence parameters impacting dye removal in UASB.…”