TEMPERATURE RESPONSE OF BIOLOGGICAL PHOSPHORUS REMOVING ACTIVATED SLUDGE

Abstract

Enhanced biological phosphorus (bio-P) removal is a two step process. The sequence of anaerobic environment followed by aerobic environment is essential for selection of bio-P removing culture. Anaerobically phosphorus (P) is released and subsequently in the aerobic period it is biologically removed. - It is possible to remove phosphorus using reactors in series or alter the sequence of operations in a single reactor known as sequential batch reactor (SBR). In the present project an effort has been made to study both P-release and uptake, COD removal and volatile fatty acids (VFA's) variation at 25°C and 10°C in sequential batch reactors using synthetic wastewater. . In anaerobic phase maximum P-released was 112% and 32% at 25°C and 10°C respectively. Irrespective of differences in temperature and initial concentration of released phosphorus, the effluent phosphate concentration, however was found to be same (93-95 % P removal) at both the temperatures. COD removal was found to be higher at higher temperature. Further, COD reduction was more significant is anaerobic zone. VFA concentration was found to be higher at higher temperature.. Decrease in VFA was found to be 29% - 40% in anaerobic and 83% - 89% in anaerobic. Effluent, at 10°C was found to have more suspended solids than at 25°C.