A novel approach to estimate and control denitrification performance in activated sludge systems with respirogram technology

Respirogram technology has been widely applied for aerobic process, however, the response of respirogram to anoxic denitrification is still unclear. To reveal such response may help to design a new method for the evaluation of the performance of denitrification. The size distribution of flocs measured at different denitrification moments demonstrated a clear expansion of flocs triggered by denitrification, during which higher specific endogenous and quasi-endogenous respiration rates (SOUR_e and SOUR_q) were also observed. Furthermore, SOUR_q increases exponentially with the specific denitrification rate (SDNR), suggesting that there should be a maximum SDNR in conventional activated sludge systems. Based on these findings, an index R_q/t, defined as the ratio of quasi-endogenous (OUR_q) to maximum respiration rate (OUR_t), is proposed to estimate the denitrification capacity that higher R_q/t indicates higher denitrification potential, which can be readily obtained without complex measurement or analysis, and it offers a novel and promising respirogram-based approach for denitrification estimation and control by taking measures to extend anoxic time to maintain its value at a high level within a certain range.     

Tuning of activated sludge in winter based on respirogram profiles under standard and site temperatures

Respirograms of activated sludge OUR_ x~Tand OUR_x~(20)were measured under site(T) and standard(20°C) temperatures, respectively, and the predicted standard temperature respirogram OUR_( x,cal)~(20)was also calculated using the Arrhenius equation. These respirogram profiles reveal more information than effluent quality. A decrease of OUR_ x ~(20)is a critical alarm signal for the loss of pollutant removal capacity, and a sudden increase of the predicted value OUR_( x,cal)~(20)is an alarm signal for the unrecoverable deterioration of biomass. The sign of OUR_x~(20)–OUR_(x,cal)~(20)can be used for selection of tuning strategies. For example, a negative value of OUR_x~(20)–OUR_( x,cal)~(20)indicates that doubling biomass is difficult,thus strategies such as extending the reaction time with limited available biomass is preferred. The findings in this study elucidated the respiration profile of activated sludge under changes of temperature and can be effectively used for the stable operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants under cold temperatures and seasonal variations.