Application of real-time nitrogen measurement for intermittent aeration implementation in a biological nitrogen removal system: performances and efficiencies. Issue 19 (24th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrentino, R.; Langone, M.; Vian, M.; Andreottola, G.
• Is Part Of: Environmental technology. Volume 40:Issue 19(2019)
• Page Start: 2513
• Page End: 2526
• Publication Date: 2019-08-24
• Subjects: Intermittent aeration process -- case study -- real-time nitrogen measurement -- energy efficiency -- sludge reduction; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; 628.05
• DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2018.1444102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3330

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Several automatic strategies for aeration control have been investigated so far to favor a significant decrement of energy consumptions in biological processes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Above all, the intermittent aeration process has demonstrated to have several advantages. This work reports the results of a case study made in a small municipal WWTP where an intermittent aeration control strategy based on the online measurement of real-time nitrogen forms has been implemented to optimize the nitrogen removal and the energy consumption in an activated process. High organic removal efficiency was achieved during the whole experimental period. Results indicated that nitrogen removal efficiency has been improved, especially during winter months, by the control strategy adopted that helped to determine the perfect length for the nitrification and denitrification phases. The intermittent aeration process increased the activity of the biomass, further selecting phosphate-accumulating bacteria and improving the growth of bacteria able to internally store carbon source. Excellent effects were achieved on energy and chemical consumption, with a reduction of about 15% and 23%, respectively. Finally, a 12% reduction of sludge production was also detected.