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Anaerobic Reactor Design Concepts for the Treatment of Domestic Wastewater

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Abstract

Since the earlier anaerobic treatment systems, the design concepts were improved from classic reactors like septic tanks and anaerobic ponds, to modern high rate reactor configurations like anaerobic filters, UASB, EGSB, fixed film fluidized bed and expanded bed reactors, and others. In this paper, anaerobic reactors are evaluated considering the historical evolution and types of wastewaters. The emphasis is on the potential for application in domestic sewage treatment, particularly in regions with a hot climate. Proper design and operation can result in a high capacity and efficiency of organic matter removal using single anaerobic reactors. Performance comparison of anaerobic treatment systems is presented based mostly on a single but practical parameter, the hydraulic retention time. Combined anaerobic reactor systems as well as combined anaerobic and non-anaerobic systems are also presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Rua Aprígio Veloso 882, 58109-970, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil

    Adrianus van Haandel & Paula F. F. Cavalcanti

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, Avenida Acadêmico Hélio Ramos s/n, 50740-530, Recife, PE, Brazil

    Mario T. Kato & Lourdinha Florencio

Authors
  1. Adrianus van Haandel
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  2. Mario T. Kato
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  3. Paula F. F. Cavalcanti
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  4. Lourdinha Florencio
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Correspondence to Mario T. Kato.

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van Haandel, A., Kato, M.T., Cavalcanti, P.F.F. et al. Anaerobic Reactor Design Concepts for the Treatment of Domestic Wastewater. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 5, 21–38 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-005-4888-y

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