The Effect of Zeolite Addition on The Treatment Performance of Sequencing Batch Reactor under Low Temperature

Abstract

In this study, two lab-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were used for the treatment of municipal wastewater at low temperature (15^oC). These SBRs were a C-SBR (control SBR) and a Z-SBR (zeolite SBR). Both reactors were operated in similar conditions, except for addition of zeolite in the Z-SBR. The results showed that the average COD, TN, NH₄⁺-N and TP removal were 90%, 53%, 88% and 93% in Z-SBR compared with 90%, 35%, 75% and 93%. The results of COD removal showed that there was no significant difference between two reactors. Z-SBR had better removal capability of nitrogen than C-SBR. Z-SBR exhibited same TP removal with the C-SBR. A higher MLVSS concentration and lower SVI values were observed in Z-SBR compared to that of the C-SBR. The average MLVSS concentration for Z-SBR and C-SBR is 2900 mg l^-1 and 2120 mg l^-1, respectively. The SVI values were lower in Z-SBR (80-100 mL g^-1) than C-SBR (120-140 mL g^-1). The highest NH₄⁺-N removal efficiency was observed at pH value of 8.0. It was found that zeolite addition into SBR lessened the negative influences of low temperature and positively affected the performance and sludge settling capability. This work showed that the Z-SBR is an efficient modification of the activated sludge process for co-removal of organic matter and nitrogen at low temperature.

Keywords

• SBR,zeolite,nitrogen removal,low temperature

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