Factors affecting simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in an SBBR treating domestic wastewater

An aerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) packed with Bauer rings was used to treat real domestic wastewater for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. The SBBR is advantageous for creating an anoxic condition, and the biofilm can absorb and store carbon for good nitrification and denitrification. An average concentration of oxygen ranging from 0.8 to 4.0 mg/L was proved very efficient for nitrification and denitrification. Volumetric loads of TN dropped dramatically and effluent TN concentration increased quickly when the concentration of average dissolved oxygen was more than 4.0 mg/L. The efficiency of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) increased with increasing thickness of the biofilm. The influent concentration hardly affected the TN removal efficiency, but the effluent TN increased with increasing influent concentration. It is suggested that a subsequence for denitrification be added or influent amount be decreased to meet effluent quality requirements. At optimum operating parameters, the TN removal efficiency of 74%–82% could be achieved.