title: Enhanced biological phosphorus removal process implemented in membrane bioreactors to improve phosphorous recovery and recycling.
abstract: The enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process was adapted to membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. One bench-scale plant (BSP, 200-250 L) and two pilot plants (PPs, 1,000-3,000 L each) were operated under several configurations, including pre-denitrification and post-denitrification without addition of carbon source, and two solid retention times (SRT) of 15 and 26 d. The trials showed that efficient Bio-P removal can be achieved with MBR systems, in both pre- and post-denitrification configurations. EBPR dynamics could be clearly demonstrated through batch-tests, on-line measurements, profile analyses, P-spiking trials, and mass balances. High P-removal performances were achieved even with high SRT of 26 d, as around 9 mgP/L could be reliably removed. After stabilisation, the sludge exhibited phosphorus contents of around 2.4%TS. When spiked with phosphorus (no P-limitation), P-content could increase up to 6%TS. The sludge is therefore well suited to agricultural reuse with important fertilising values. Theoretical calculations showed that increased sludge age should result in a greater P-content. This could not be clearly demonstrated by the trials. This effect should be all the more significant as the influent is low in suspended solids.
authors.affiliation: Anjou Recherche/Vivendi Water, Chemin de la Digue, BP76, 75603 Maisons Laffitte Cedex, France. boris.lesjean@generale-des-eaux.net
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lesjean
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gnirss
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Adam
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kraume
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Luck
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria; D019149:Bioreactors; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012722:Sewage; D010758:Phosphorus