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Optimized aeration strategies for nitrogen removal efficiency: application of end gas recirculation aeration in the fixed bed biofilm reactor

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Abstract

Aeration strategy played an important role in reactor performance. In this study, when superficial upflow air velocity (SAV) decreased from 0.16 to 0.08 cm s−1, low dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) of 2.0 mg L−1 occurred in reactor. The required depth for anoxic microenvironment in biofilm decreased from 902.3 to 525.9 μm, which enhanced the growth of denitrifying bacteria and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency. However, decreasing aeration intensity resulted in insufficient hydraulic shear stress, which led to weak biofilm matrix structure. Mass biofilm detachment and reactor deterioration then occurred after 87 days of operation. An end gas recirculation aeration strategy was proposed to separately manipulate DO and aeration intensity. Low DO and high aeration intensity were simultaneously achieved, which enhanced the metabolism of denitrifying bacteria (such as Flavobacterium sp., Pseudorhodobacter sp., and Dok59 sp.) and EPS-producing bacteria (such as Zoogloea sp. and Rhodobacter sp.). Consequently, high TN removal performance (82.1 ± 2.7%) and stable biofilm structure were achieved.

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Funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 51708499, 21576241, and 21776262] and Hangzhou Agricultural and Social Development Research Program [20180533B03].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China

    Jia heng Zhou & Kai qiang Ye

  2. College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, 310014, CNo. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China

    Hao cheng Yu, Hong yu Wang & Jian ming Yu

  3. College of Bio-systems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, |Hangzhou, 310058, China

    Yun jie Ruan

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  1. Jia heng Zhou
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  2. Hao cheng Yu
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  3. Kai qiang Ye
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  4. Hong yu Wang
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  5. Yun jie Ruan
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  6. Jian ming Yu
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Correspondence to Jian ming Yu.

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Responsible editor: Bingcai Pan

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Zhou, J.h., Yu, H.c., Ye, K.q. et al. Optimized aeration strategies for nitrogen removal efficiency: application of end gas recirculation aeration in the fixed bed biofilm reactor. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 28216–28227 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-06050-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-06050-9

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