Study of different supports in a SBBR

Abstract

Four sequencing batch biofilm reactors (SBBR) with different supports were used to select the most suitable one for SBBR operation. High efficiencies of organic matter and nitrogen removal were obtained (94% and 80% respectively), up to a loading of 1.2 kg COD/m³ d and 0.19 kg N•NH4+/m³•d. The thermodynamic characterisation of the supports indicates that real effluent interaction (instead of water) must be taken into account, regarding initial bioadhesion. The results demonstrate that the studied plastic supports are appropriate for the biomass adhesion and that the biofilm accumulation on each support exhibited different profiles.