Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Anaerobic sewage treatment: state of the art, constraints and challenges

  • Review paper
  • Published:
Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The interest in high-rate anaerobic (pre-)treatment of sewage using UASB reactors is steadily growing since its introduction in the mid-1980s. Today there are hundreds of full-scale plants in operation in various parts of the tropical world, notably in Latin America and India. The main advantage of UASB technology is the very low or even zero energy demand, leading to an up to tenfold drop in operational costs compared to activated sludge. This paper presents a literature review focussing on current design criteria and post-treatment options, alongside discussing the centralized and decentralized approach. The current limitations and constraints regarding temperature, nutrients, pathogen removal, odour nuisance, operational constrictions and methane emissions are also presented and discussed. Further, recent challenges in relation to energy recovery from biogas, sludge and scum are discussed, alongside with advances related to recovery of dissolved methane and sludge management. Finally, the paper provides some outlooks for upcoming developments.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • ABNT, Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (2011) NBR 12209: Elaboração de projetos hidráulico-sanitários de estações de tratamento de esgotos sanitários (Hydraulic and sanitary engineering design for wastewater treatment plants), 2nd edn. ABNT, Rio de Janeiro (in Portuguese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aiyuk S, Forrez I, Lieven DK, van Haandel A, Verstraete W (2006) Anaerobic and complementary treatment of domestic sewage in regions with hot climates—a review. Bioresour Technol 97:2225–2241

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Almeida PGS, Chernicharo C, Souza CL (2009) Development of compact UASB/trickling filter systems for treating domestic wastewater in small communities in Brazil. Wat Sci Technol 59(7):1431–1439

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Almeida PGS, Marcus AK, Rittmann BE, Chernicharo CAL (2013) Performance of plastic- and sponge-based trickling filters treating effluents from an UASB reactor. Wat Sci Technol 67(5):1034–1042

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Shammiri M (2004) Hydrogen sulfide emission from the Ardiyah sewage treatment plant in Kuwait. Desalination 170:1–13

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Shayah M, Mahmoud N (2008) Start-up of an UASB-septic tank for community on-site treatment of strong domestic sewage. Bioresour Technol 99:7758–7766

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • An YY, Yang FL, Bucciali B, Wong FS (2009) Municipal wastewater treatment using a UASB coupled with cross-flow membrane filtration. J Environ Eng 135:86–91

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Antunes R, Mano AP (2004) Odores em estações de tratamento de águas residuais. In: Congresso da Água, Água Qualidade de toda a Vida, 7, 2004, Lisboa. Anais. Lisboa: Associação Portuguesa dos Recursos Hídricos (APRH) (in Portuguese)

  • Baréa LC, Alem Sobrinho P (2006) Behavior of polishing lagoon in metropolitan Curitiba and the possibility of using of duckweed for improvement of effluent quality. Sanare Revista Técnica Sanepar Curitiba 24(24):46–60 (in Portuguese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Batstone DJ, Virdis B (2014) The role of anaerobic digestion in the emerging energy economy. Curr Opin Biotechnol 27:142–149

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bohn HL (1993) Bioprocessing of organic gases in waste air. Symposium on bioremediation and bioprocessing. In: 205th National meeting. American chemical society, Denver, pp 287–289

  • Brandt EMF, Queiroz FB, Afonso RJCF, Aquino SF, Chernicharo CAL (2013) Behaviour of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting chemicals in simplified sewage treatment systems. J Environ Manag 128:718–726

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burgess JE, Parsons SA, Stuetz RM (2001) Developments in odour control and waste gas treatment biotechnology: a review. Biotechnol Adv 19(1):35–63

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Busato R (2004) Desempenho de um filtro anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente como tratamento de efluente de reator UASB: estudo de caso da ETE de Imbituva. 237 (Doutorado). Setor de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR (in Portuguese)

  • Camargo Valero MA, Mara DD (2007) Nitrogen removal in maturation ponds: tracer experiments with 15N-labelled ammonia. Wat Sci Technol 55(11):81–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Campos JR, Pagliuso JD (1999) Tratamento de esgotos sanitários por processo anaeróbio e disposição controlada no solo (Capitulo 10). PROJETO PROSAB, Rio de Janeiro (in Portuguese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Carraro A (2006) Evaluation of a sewage treatment system with intermittent receipt of water treatment plant sludge following RALF and conventional aerobic biological filtration. Sanare Revista Técnica Sanepar Curitiba 24(24):46–60 (in Portuguese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan YI, Chong MF, Law CL, Hassell DG (2009) A review on anaerobic–aerobic treatment of industrial and municipal wastewater. Chem Eng J 155:1–18

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chernicharo CAL (2006) Post-treatment options for the anaerobic treatment of domestic wastewater. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 5:73–92

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chernicharo CAL, Almeida PGS (2010) Feasibility of UASB/trickling filter systems without final clarifiers for the treatment of domestic wastewater in small communities in Brazil. In: Conference on: sustainable solutions for small water and wastewater treatment systems. Proceedings. Spain

  • Chernicharo CAL, Nascimento MCP (2001) Feasibility of a pilot scale UASB/trickling filter system for domestic sewage treatment. Wat Sci Technol 44(4):221–228

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chernicharo CAL, van Haandel AC, Foresti, E, Cybis LF (2001) Introdução. Cap. 1. In: Chernicharo CAL (coordenador). Pós-tratamento de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios. FINEP/PROSAB, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 544 p (in Portuguese)

  • Chernicharo CAL, Almeida PGS, Lobato LCS, Couto TC, Borges JM (2009) Experience with the design and start up of two full-scale UASB plants in Brazil: enhancements and drawbacks. Wat Sci Technol 60(2):507–515

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chernicharo CAL, Stuetz RM, Souza CL, Melo GCB (2010) Alternativas para o controle de emissões odorantes em reatores anaeróbios tratando esgoto doméstico. Engenharia Sanitaria Ambiental 15(3):229–236 (in Portuguese)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chernicharo CAL, Rosa AP, Schmidt ADUC, Borges JM, Fonseca WF, Monteiro AD (2013) Current limitations and the necessary improvements in the anaerobic technology for domestic sewage treatment. In: Proceedings of the 13th IWA world congress on anaerobic digestion. Santiago de Compostela, Spain

  • Chernicharo, C.A.L.,Lobato, L.C., Júnior, C.A.P., Barbosa, E.V., Souza, J.R., Silva, L.R., Judice, M.A.M., Moraes, O.J., Almeida, P.G., and Gonçalves, T.C.F. (2014) Secondary sludge return for thickening and digestion in UASB reactors: Case study of ONÇA STP – Brazil. In: XI Taller y Simposio Latinoamericano de Digestión Anaerobia. Proceedings. Cuba

  • Chong S, Sen TK, Kayaalp A, Ang H (2012) The performance enhancements of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors for domestic sludge treatment—a state-of-the-art review. Wat Res 46:3434–3470

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chu LB, Yang FL, Zhang XW (2005) Anaerobic treatment of domestic wastewater in a membrane-coupled expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor under moderate to low temperature. Process Biochem 40:1063–1070

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cookney J, MCadam EJ, Cartmell E, Jefferson B (2010) Recovery of methane from anaerobic process effluent using poly-di-methyl-siloxane membrane contactors. In: Proceedings of the 12th IWA world congress on anaerobic digestion. Mexico

  • Dornelas F, Machado MB, von Sperling M (2009) Performance evaluation of planted and unplanted subsurface-flow constructed wetlands for the post-treatment of UASB reactor effluents. Wat Sci Technol 60(12):3025–3033

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dutta PK, Rabaey K, Yuan Z, Rozendal RA, Keller J (2010) Electrochemical sulfide removal and recovery from paper mill anaerobic treatment effluent. Wat Res 44(8):2563–2571

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Elmitwalli T (2000) Anaerobic treatment of domestic sewage at low temperature. PhD: 113, Department of Environmental Technology, University of Wageningen, Wageningen

  • Ersahin ME, Ozgun H, Tao Y, van Lier JB (2014) Applicability of dynamic membrane technology in anaerobic membrane bioreactors. Water Res 48(1):420–429

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Florencio L, Kato MT, Morais JC (2001) Domestic sewage treatment in full-scale UASB plant at Mangueira, Recife, Pernambuco. Water Sci Technol 44(4):71–77

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Foresti E (2001) Perspectives of anaerobic tratment in developing countries. In: Lettinga’s farewell seminar on anaerobic process, 2001, Wageningen. Proceedings of the Lettinga’s farewell seminar. Wageningen, vol 1. Edited by Lettinga’s Foundation, 2001, pp 120–127

  • Foresti E, Zaiat M, Vallero M (2006) Anaerobic processes as the core technology for sustainable domestic wastewater treatment: consolidated applications, new trends, perspectives, and challenges. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 5:3–19

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franco PLP (2010) Análise da Potencialidade do Reúso Indireto Potável: Estudo de Caso da ETE Atuba Sul, Região Metropolitana de Curitiba (Analysis of the potential indirect drinking reuse: Case study of Atuba Sul WWTP, Curitiba’s Metropolitan Region). Dissertação de Mestrado. Universidade Federal do Paraná, 238 pp (in Portuguese)

  • Froehner S, Piccioni W, Machado KS, Aisse MM (2011) Removal capacity of caffeine, hormones, and bisphenol by aerobic and anaerobic sewage treatment. Water Air Soil Pollut 216:463–471

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gadelha DAC, Moura RB, Damianovic MHRZ, Foresti E (2013) Nitrogen removal using a structured bed intermittently aerated reactor treating UASB domestic effluent. In: 13th world congress on anaerobic digestion: recovering (bio) resources for the World. Proceedings. Spain

  • Glória RM, Motta TM, Silva PVO, Costa P, Souza CL, Chernicharo CAL (2014) Stripping and dissipation techniques for the removal of dissolved gases from anaerobic effluents. In: XI taller y simposio latinoamericano de digestión anaerobia. Proceedings. Cuba

  • Gomec CY (2010) High-rate anaerobic treatment of domestic wastewater at ambient operating temperatures: a review on benefits and drawbacks. J Environ Sci Health Part A 45:1169–1184

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gonçalves RF, Veronez FA, Kissling CMS, Cassini STA (2002) Using a UASB reactor for thickening and digestion of discharged sludge from submerged aerated biofilters. Water Sci Technol 45(10):299–304

    Google Scholar 

  • Gouveia J, Plaza F, Garralon G, Fdz-Polanco F, Peña M (2015) Long-term operation of a pilot scale anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for the treatment of municipal wastewater under psychrophilic conditions. Bioresour Technol 185:225–233

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Green M, Shaul N, Beliavski M, Sabbah I, Ghattas B, Tarre S (2006) Minimizing land requirement and evaporation in small wastewater treatment systems. Ecol Eng 26(3):266–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gulkowska A, Leung HW, So MK, Taniyasu S, Yamashita N, Yeung LWY, Richardson BJ, Lei AP, Giesy JP, Lam PKS (2008) Removal of antibiotics from wastewater by sewage treatment facilities in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. Water Res 42:395–403

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Halalsheh M (2002) Anaerobic pre-treatment of strong sewage. A proper solution for Jordan. PhD thesis, Department of Environmental Technology, Agricultural University, Wageningen

  • Halalsheh M, Sawajneh Z, Zu’bi M, Zeeman G, van Lier JB, Fayyad M, Lettinga G (2005a) Treatment of strong domestic sewage in a 96 m3 UASB reactor operated at ambient temperatures: two-stage versus single-stage reactor. Bioresour Technol 96:577–585

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Halalsheh M, Koppes J, den Elzen J, Zeeman G, Fayyad M, Lettinga G (2005b) Effect of SRT and temperature on biological conversions and the related scum-forming potential. Water Res 39:2475–2482

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartley K, Lant P (2006) Eliminating non-renewable CO2 emissions from sewage treatment: an anaerobic migrating bed reactor pilot plant study. Biotechnol Bioeng 95(3):384–398

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ho J, Sung S (2010) Methanogenic activities in anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) treating synthetic municipal wastewater. Bioresour Technol 101:2191–2196

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huibers FP, van Lier JB (2005) Use of wastewater in agriculture: the water chain approach. Irrig Drain 54:S3–S9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jobbágy A, Szántó I, Varga GI, Simon J (1994) Sewer system odour control in the Lake Balaton area. Water Sci Technol 30(1):195–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Kassab G (2009) Combined carbon and nitrogen removal in integrated anaerobic/anoxic sludge bed reactors for the treatment of domestic sewage. Doctoral Dissertation, Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands (promotor J.B. van Lier)

  • Kassab GH, Halalsheh M, Klapwijk A, Fayyad M, van Lier JB (2010) Sequential anaerobic-aerobic treatment for domestic wastewater—a review. Bioresour Technol 101:3299–3310

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kennes C, Veiga MC, Prado O (2001) Non biological treatment technologies. In: KenneS, C., Veiga, M.C. (Ed.). Bioreactors for waste gas treatment. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers

  • Khan AA, Gaur RZ, Tyiagi VK, Khursheed A, Lew B, Mehrotra I, Kazmi AA (2011) Sustainable options of post treatment of UASB effluent treating sewage: a review. Resour Conserv Recycl 55:1232–1251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khan AA, Gaur RZ, Mehrotra I, Diamantis V, Lew B, Kazmi AA (2014) Performance assessment of different STPs based on UASB followed by aerobic post treatment systems. J Environ Health Sci Eng 12:43

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim S, Aga DS (2007) Potential ecological and human health impacts of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater treatment plants. J Toxicol Environ Health Part B 10(8):559–573

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kobayashi HA, Stenstrom MK, Mah RA (1983) Treatment of low-strength domestic wastewater using the anaerobic filter. Water Res 17(9):903–909

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kocadagistan E, Topcu N (2007) Treatment investigation of the Erzurum City municipal wastewaters with anaerobic membrane bioreactors. Desalination 216:367–376

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krayzelova L, Jan B, Nina K, Pavel J (2014) Microaeration for hydrogen sulfide removal in UASB reactor. Bioresour Technol 172:297–302

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kubota K, Hayashi M, Matsunaga K, Iguchi A, Ohashi A, Li Y, Yamaguchi T, Harada H (2014) Microbial community composition of a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor combined with an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor for the treatment of municipal sewage. Bioresour Technol 151:144–150

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kujawa-roeleveld K, Zeeman G (2006) Anaerobic treatment in decentralised and source-separation-based sanitation concepts. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 5(1):115–139

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lens PNL, Hulshoff Pol LW (2000) Environmental technologies to treat sulfur pollution. Principles and engineering. IWA Publishing, London, p 547

    Google Scholar 

  • Letema S, van Vliet B, van Lier JB (2014) Sanitation policy and spatial planning in Urban East Africa: diverging sanitation spaces and actor arrangements in Kampala and Kisumu. Cities 36:1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lettinga G (2006) A good life environment for all through conceptual, technological and social innovations. Water Sci Technol 54(2):1–9

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lettinga G, Hulshoff Pol LM (1991) UASB-process design for various types of wastewaters. Water Sci Technol 24:87–107

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lettinga G, van Velsen AFM, Hobma SW, De Zecuw W, Klapwijk A (1980) Use of the Upflow Sludge Blanket (USB) reactor concept for biological wastewater treatment, especially for anaerobic treatment. Biotechnol Bioeng 22:699–734

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lettinga G, van Lier JB, van Buuren JCL, Zeeman G (2001a) Sustainable development in pollution control and the role of anaerobic treatment. Water Sci Technol 44(6):181–188

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lettinga G, Rebac S, Zeeman G (2001b) Challenge of psychrophilic anaerobic wastewater treatment. Trends Biotechnol 198:363–370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li B, Zhang T (2010) Biodegradation and adsorption of antibiotics in the activated sludge process. Environ Sci Technol 44:3468–3473

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liao BQ, Kraemer JT, Bagley DM (2006) Anaerobic membrane bioreactors: applications and research directions. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol 36:489–530

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin H, Peng W, Zhang M, Chen J, Hong H, Zhang Y (2013) A review on anaerobic membrane bioreactors: applications, membrane fouling and future perspectives. Desalination 314:169–188

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Y, Kumar S, Kwag J, Ra C (2013) Magnesium ammonium phosphate formation, recovery and its application as valuable resources: a review. J Chem Technol Biotechnol 88:181–189

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lobato LCS, Chernicharo CAL, Souza CL (2012) Estimates of methane loss and energy recovery potential in anaerobic reactors treating domestic wastewater. Water Sci Technol 66(12):2745–2753

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lobato LCS, Chernicharo CAL, Pujatti FJP, Martins O, Melo GCB, Recio AAR (2013) Use of biogas for cogeneration of heat and electricity for local application: performance evaluation of an engine power generator and a sludge thermal dryer. Water Sci Technol 67(1):159–167

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luo G, Johansson S, Boe K, Xie L, Zhou Q, Angelidaki I (2012) Simultaneous hydrogen utilization and in situ biogas upgrading in an anaerobic reactor. Biotechnol Bioeng 109:1088–1094

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mahmoud N (2002) Anaerobic pre-treatment of sewage under low temperature (15°C) conditions in an integrated UASB-digester system. Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands

  • Mahmoud N (2008) High strength sewage treatment in a UASB reactor and an integrated UASB-digester system. Bioresour Technol 99:7531–7538

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mahmoud N, Amarneh MN, Al-Sa’ed R, Zeeman G, Gijzen H, Lettinga G (2003) Sewage characteristics as a tool for the application of anaerobic treatment in Palestine. Environ Pollut 126:115–122

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mahmoud N, Zeeman G, Gijzen H, Lettinga G (2004) Anaerobic sewage treatment in a one-stage UASB reactor and a combined UASB digester system. Water Res 38(9):2348–2358

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Malekpour S, Langeveld J, Letema S, Clemens F, van Lier JB (2013) Judgment under uncertainty; a probabilistic evaluation framework for decision-making about sanitation systems in low-income countries. J Environ Manag 118:106–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez-Sosa D, Helmreich B, Netter T, Paris S, Bischof F, Horn H (2011) Anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR) for municipal wastewater treatment under mesophilic and psychrophilic temperature conditions. Bioresour Technol 102:10377–10385

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Massoud MA, Tarhini A, Nasr JA (2009) Decentralized approaches to wastewater treatment and management: applicability in developing countries. J Environ Manag 90:652–659

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matos JS, Aires CM (1995) Mathematical modelling of sulphides and hydrogen sulphide gas build-up in the Cosas do Estoril sewerage system. Water Sci Technol 31(7):255–261

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCarty PL, Bae J, Kim J (2011) Domestic wastewater treatment as a net energy producer—can this be achieved? Environ Sci Technol 45:7100–7106

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Michael I, Rizzo L, McArdell CS, Manaia CM, Merlin C, Schwartz T, Dagot C, Fatta-Kassinos D (2013) Urban wastewater treatment plants as hotspots for the release of antibiotics in the environment: a review. Water Res 47:957–995

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Monroy O, Famá G, Meraz M, Montoya L, Macarie H (2000) Anaerobic digestion for wastewater treatment in Mexico: state of the technology. Water Res 34(6):1803–1816

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan-Sagastume J, Jiménez B, Noyola A (1994) Anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic process with recycling and separated biomass for organic carbon and nitrogen removal from wastewater. Environ Technol 15(3):233–243

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mungray AK, Patel K (2011) Coliforms removal in two UASB + ASP based systems. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 65:23–28

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nada T, Ali HI, Farid MN, El-Gohary FA Moawad A (2006) A full-scale application for anaerobic wastewater treatment technology (up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket UASB) in Egypt. Conference National Research Centre, March 13–15, Cairo, Egypt

  • Noyola A, Capdeville B, Roques H (1988) Anaerobic treatment of domestic sewage with a rotating-stationary fixed-film reactor. Water Res 22:1585–1592

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Noyola A, Morgan-Sagastume JM, Lopez-Hernandez JE (2006) Treatment of biogas produced in anaerobic reactors for domestic wastewater: odor control and energy/resource recovery. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 5:93–114

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Noyola A, Padilla-Rivera A, Morgan-Sagastume JM, Güereca LP, Hernández-Padilla F (2012) Typology of municipal wastewater treatment technologies in Latin America. Clean Soil Air Water 40(9):926–932

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Okada DY, Foresti E (2013) Remoção de matéria orgânica e de nitrogênio de esgoto sanitário em sistema composto por reator anaeróbio/anóxico interligado a reator nitrificante. In: Anais do III Seminário do Projeto Temático: Produção de bioenergia no tratamento de águas residuárias e adequação ambiental dos efluentes e resíduos gerados. São Carlos/SP, Brasil (in Portuguese)

  • Oliveira SC, Von Sperling M (2011) Performance evaluation of different wastewater treatment technologies operating in a developing country. J Water Sanit Hyg Dev 1(1):37–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oomen J, Schellinkhout A (1993). The economic feasibility of the UASB technology, a comparative study on costs. IBRD workshop on UASB technology for sewage treatment, Washington, DC

  • Ozgun H (2015) Anaerobic membrane bioreactors for cost-effective municipal water reuse. PhD thesis Delft University of Technology, J.B. van Lier promotor, H. Spanjers Co-promotor, 214 pp

  • Ozgun H, Dereli RK, Ersahin ME, Kinaci C, Spanjers H, van Lier JB (2013) A review of anaerobic membrane bioreactors for municipal wastewater treatment: integration options, limitations and expectations. Sep Purif Technol 118:89–104

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pagliuso JD, Passig FH, Villela LCH (2002) Odour treatment and energy recovery in anaerobic sewage treatment plants. In: VII Oficina e Simposio Latino-Americano de Digestão Anaeróbia, Mexico, IWA/FEMISCA

  • Pandey N, Dubey SK (2014) Up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) based sewage treatment plant (STP) at Mirzapur: a review. Int Res J Environ Sci 3(8):67–71

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pantoja-Filho JLR, Moura RB, Peixoto G, Mockaitis G, Simões DRS, Barana AC, Foresti E (2013) A comparative study of autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification using reduced sulphur and acetate as electron donors. In: 13th world congress on anaerobic digestion: recovering (bio) resources for the world. Proceedings. Spain

  • Peña MR, Rodriguéz J, Mara DD, Sepulveda M (2000) UASBs or anaerobic ponds in warm climates? A preliminary answer from Colombia use of biogas for cogeneration of heat and electricity for local application: performance evaluation of an engine power generator and a sludge thermal dryer. Water Sci Technol 42(10):59–65

    Google Scholar 

  • Peña MR, Mara DD, Avella GP (2006) Dispersion and treatment performance analysis of an UASB reactor under different hydraulic loading rates. Water Res 40(3):445–452

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira JO, Celani JSS, Chernicharo CAL (2009) Control of scum accumulation in a double stage biogas collection (DSBC) UASB reactor treating domestic wastewater. Water Sci Technol 59(6):1077–1083

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pontes PP, Chernicharo CAL (2011) Characterization and removal of specific organic constituents in an UASB e trickling-filter system treating domestic wastewater. Environ Technol 32(3):281–287

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rocha NEP (2002) Avaliação de um sistema de tratamento de esgotos constituído de reator UASB e lagoa facultativa, em escala real. MSc thesis, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (in Portuguese)

  • Rosa AP (2013) Aproveitamento de Biogás e lodo Excedente de Reatores UASB Como Fonte de Energia Renovável em Estações de Tratamento de Esgoto (Use of biogas and excess sludge from UASB reactors as renewable energy source in sewage treatment plants). PhD Thesis, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (in Portuguese)

  • Rosa AP, Lobato LCS, Chernicharo CAL, Martins DCRB, Maciel FM, Borges JM (2012) Improving performance and operational control of UASB reactors via proper sludge and scum discharge routines. Water Pract Technol 7(3):11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosa AP, Lobato LCS, Borges JM, Melo GCB, Chernicharo CAL (2015) Energy potential and alternative usages of biogas and sludge from UASB reactors: case study of Laboreaux sewage treatment plant. Braz J Chem Eng (submitted)

  • Ruiz I, Álvarez JA, Díaz MA, Serrano L, Soto M (2008) Municipal wastewater treatment in an anaerobic digester constructed wetland system. Environ Technol 29(11):1249–1256

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salomon KR, Lora EES (2009) Estimate of the electric energy generating potential for different sources of biogas in Brazil. Biomass Bioenergy 33:1101–1107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez Guillén JA, Yimman Y, Lopez Vazquez CM, Brdjanovic D, van Lier JB (2014) Effects of organic carbon source, chemical oxygen demand/N ratio and temperature on autotrophic nitrogen removal. Water Sci Technol 69(10):2079–2084

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez Guillén JA, Cuéllar Guardado PR, Lopez Vazquez CM, de Oliveira LM, Brdjanovic D, van Lier JB (2015) Low-cost Anammox cultivation in a closed sponge-bed trickling filter. Bioresour Technol (submitted)

  • Santos SE (2003) Avaliação do desempenho operacional de um sistema reator UASB—Lagoa de polimento, Estudo de caso da ETE Juramento-MG. MSc thesis, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (in Portuguese)

  • Sato N, Okubo T, Onodera T, Ohashi A, Harada H (2006) Prospects for a self-sustainable sewage treatment system: a case study on full-scale UASB system in India’s Yamuna River Basin. J Environ Manag 80:198–207

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silva MB et al (2007) Comparação do desempenho de diferentes filtros biológicos na remoção de H2S do ar em estações de tratamento de esgoto sanitário. In: 24º Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia Sanitária e Ambiental, Belo Horizonte, ABES (in Portuguese)

  • Silva FJA, Lima MGS, Mendonca LAR, Gomes MJTL (2013) Septic Tank combined with anaerobic filter and conventional UASB—results from full scale plants. Braz J Chem Eng 30(1):133–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sipma J, Osuna B, Collado N, Monclús H, Ferrero G, Comas J, Rodriguez-Roda I (2009) Comparison of removal of pharmaceuticals in MBR and activated sludge systems. Desalination 250(2):653–659

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skouteris G, Hermosilla D, López P, Negro C, Blanco A (2012) Anaerobic membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment: a review. Chem Eng J 198–199:138–148

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith A, Stadler LB, Love NG, Skerlos ST, Raskin L (2012) Perspectives on anaerobic membrane bioreactor treatment of domestic wastewater: a critical review. Bioresour Technol 122:149–159

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith A, Skerlos SJ, Raskin L (2013) Psychrophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactor treatment of domestic wastewater. Water Res 47:1655–1665

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Souza CL (2006) Estudo quantitativo e qualitativo de escuma acumulada em reatores UASB tratando esgotos domésticos. MSc thesis, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (in Portuguese)

  • Souza CL (2010) Estudo das rotas de formação, transporte e consumo dos gases metano e sulfeto de hidrogênio resultantes do tratamento de esgoto doméstico em reatores UASB (Study of formation, transport and consume routes of methane and hydrogen sulfide resulting from the treatment of domestic sewage in UASB reactors). PhD thesis, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (in Portuguese)

  • Souza TSO, Foresti E (2013) Sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic denitrification: an evaluation for nitrogen removal from anaerobically pretreated domestic sewage. Appl Biochem Biotech 170:1094–1103

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Souza CL, Silva SQ, Aquino SF, Chernicharo CAL (2006) Production and characterization of scum and its role in odour control in UASB reactors treating domestic wastewater. Water Sci Technol 54(9):201–208

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Souza CL, Chernicharo CAL, Melo GCB (2010) Methane and hydrogen sulfide emissions in UASB reactors treating domestic wastewater. In: 12th congress on anaerobic digestion, Mexico, IWA

  • Souza CL, Chernicharo CAL, Aquino SF (2011) Quantification of dissolved methane in UASB reactors treating domestic wastewater under different operating conditions. Water Sci Technol 64(11):2259–2264

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Souza CL, Chernicharo CAL, Melo GCB (2012) Methane and hydrogen sulfide emissions in UASB reactors treating domestic wastewater. Water Sci Technol 65(7):1229–1237

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tachini M, Filho PB, Pinheiro A (2006) Evaluation of integrated treatment of sanitary sewage and septic tank sludge in a RALF: case study. Sanare Revista Técnica Sanepar Curitiba 24(24):46–60 (in Portuguese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Takahashi M, Yamaguchi T, Kuramoto Y, Nagano A, Shimozaki S, Sumino H, Araki N, Yamazaki S, Kawakami S, Harada H (2011) Performance of a pilot-scale sewage treatment: an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactors combined system by sulfur-redox reaction process under low temperature conditions. Bioresour Technol 102(2):753–757

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tandukar M, Uemura S, Ohashi A, Harada H (2005) A low-cost municipal sewage treatment system with a combination of UASB and the “fourth generation” downflow hanging sponge (DHS) reactors. Water Sci Technol 52(1–2):323–329

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tawfik A, Ohashi A, Harada H (2006) Sewage treatment in a combined up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)-down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) system. Biochem Eng J 29:210–219

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Third KA, Sliekers AO, Kuenen JG, Jetten MSM (2001) The CANON system (completely autotrophic nitrogen-removal over nitrite) under ammonium limitation: interaction and competition between three groups of bacteria. Syst Appl Microbiol 24:588–596

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uemura S, Harada H (2010) Application of UASB technology for sewage treatment with a novel post treatment process. In: Fang HHP (ed) Environmental anaerobic technology: applications and new developments, chapter 6. World Scientific, Imperial College Press, London. ISBN 978-1-84816-542-7

    Google Scholar 

  • USEPA (2009) Occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater from nine publicly owned treatment works. US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • van Dongen LGJM, Jetten MSM, van Loosdrecht MCM (2001) The combined SHARON/Anammox process: a sustainable method for N-removal from sludge water. STOWA, Utrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • van Haandel AC, Lettinga G (1994) Anaerobic sewage treatment: a practical guide for regions with a hot climate. Wiley, Chichester

    Google Scholar 

  • van Langenhove H, de Heyder B (2001) Odours in wastewater treatment: measurement, modelling and control. In: Stuetz RM, Frechen FB (eds) Biotechnological treatment of sewage odours. IWA Publishing, London, p 438

    Google Scholar 

  • van Lier JB, Huibers FP (2004) Agricultural use of treated wastewater: the need for a paradigm shift in sanitation & treatment. In: Steenvoorden J, Endreny T (eds) Waste water re-use on groundwater quality. IAHS Publ. 285, pp 5–18. ISBN 1-901502-52-X

  • van Lier JB, Vashi A, van der Lubbe J, Heffernan B (2010) Anaerobic sewage treatment using UASB reactors: engineering and operational aspects. In: Fang HHP (ed) Environmental anaerobic technology; applications and new developments, Chapter 4. World Scientific, Imperial College Press, London, pp 59–89. ISBN 978-1-84816-542-7

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • van Lier JB, Huibers F (2010) From unplanned to planned agricultural reuse: making an asset out of wastewater. Irrig Drain Syst 24(1–2):143–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Lier JB, Lettinga G (1999) Appropriate technologies for effective management of industrial and domestic wastewaters: the decentralized approach. Water Sci Technol 40(7):171–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Lier JB, Mahmoud N, Zeeman G (2008) Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment. In: Henze M, van Loosdrecht MCM, Ekama GA, Brdjanovic D (eds) biological wastewater treatment, principles, modelling and design, chapter 16. IWA Publishing, London, pp 415–456. ISBN 9781843391883

    Google Scholar 

  • van Loosdrecht MCM (2008) Innovative nitrogen removal. In: Henze M, van Loosdrecht MCM, Ekama GA, Brdjanovic D (eds) Biological wastewater treatment: principles, modelling and design. IWA Publishing, London, pp 139–155

    Google Scholar 

  • Versiani BM (2005) Desempenho de um reator UASB submetido a diferentes condições operacionais tratando esgotos sanitários do Campus da UFRJ. MSc thesis, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (in Portuguese)

  • Vieira A (2014) Remoção, tratamento e valoração de escuma proveniente de reatores UASB aplicados ao tratamento de esgoto doméstico (Removal, treatment and valuation of scum from UASB reactors applied to the treatment of domestic sewage). PhD thesis, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (in Portuguese)

  • von Sperling M, Chernicharo CAL (2005) Biological wastewater treatment in warm climate regions. IWA Publishing, London 1452

    Google Scholar 

  • von Sperling M, de Andrada JGB (2006) Simple wastewater treatment (UASB reactor, shallow polishing ponds, coarse rock filter) allowing compliance with different reuse criteria. Water Sci Technol 54(11):199–205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • von Sperling M, Bastos RKX, Kato MT (2004) Removal of E. coli and helminth eggs in UASB—polishing pond systems. In: Proceedings 6th international conference on waste stabilization ponds. IWA, Avignon, France

  • Walia R, Kumar P, Mehrotra I (2011) Performance of UASB based sewage treatment plant in India: polishing by diffusers an alternative. Water Sci Technol 63(4):680–688

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WEF (2004) Control of odors and emissions from wastewater treatment plants. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria

    Google Scholar 

  • WERF (2010) Energy efficiency in wastewater treatment in North America: a compendium of best practices and case studies of novel approaches. Final report. Water Environment Research Foundation, Alexandria

    Google Scholar 

  • Wett B, Omari A, Podmirseg SM, Han M, Akintayo O, Brandon MG, Murthy S, Bott C, Hell M, Takacs I, Nyhuis G, O’Shaughnessy M (2013) Going for mainstream deammonification from bench to full scale for maximized resource efficiency. Water Sci Technol 68(2):283–289

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2006) WHO guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater, vol 2. W. H Organization, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiegant WM (2001) Experiences and potential of anaerobic wastewater treatment in tropical regions. Water Sci Technol 44(8):107–113

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zeeman G, Kujawa K, Mes T, Hernandez L, Graaff M, Abu-Ghunmi L, Mels A, Meulman B, Temmink H, Buisman C, van Lier JB, Lettinga G (2008) Anaerobic treatment as a core technology for energy, nutrients and water recovery from source-separated domestic waste(water). Water Sci Technol 57(8):1207–1212

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6.627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil

    C. A. L. Chernicharo & T. Bressani Ribeiro

  2. Section Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, 2600 GA, Delft, The Netherlands

    J. B. van Lier

  3. Unesco - IHE, PO Box 3015, 2601 DA, Delft, The Netherlands

    J. B. van Lier

  4. Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Escolar, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Coyoacán, Mexico, D.F., Mexico

    A. Noyola

Authors
  1. C. A. L. Chernicharo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. B. van Lier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Noyola
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. T. Bressani Ribeiro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. A. L. Chernicharo.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chernicharo, C.A.L., van Lier, J.B., Noyola, A. et al. Anaerobic sewage treatment: state of the art, constraints and challenges. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 14, 649–679 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-015-9377-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-015-9377-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation