title: Evaluation of an aerobic submerged filter packed with volcanic scoria.
abstract: An aerobic submerged filter (ASF) using volcanic scoria stones as packing media was evaluated. The wastewater used was a mixture of sewage with sugar to obtain organic matter concentrations between 28 and 3230 mg CODt/L, hydraulic rates up to 2.88 m3/m2 d and organic loading rates between 0.45 and 9.4 kg CODt/m3 d. The system removed 80% of CODt as average for organic loading rates between 0.45 and 3 kg CODt/m3 d and 54% at the higher rate (9.4 kg CODt/m3 d). It was not necessary to backwash the filters, a negligible pressure drop and a good biomass attachment in the volcanic scoria stones was observed. Nitrification and organic matter biodegradation were carried out simultaneously with a nitrate production of 90% up to 1.7kgCODt/m3 d. Tracer studies revealed a completed mixed hydraulic pattern which was not affected by the presence of biomass.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Bioprocesses, Engineering Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM, Circuito Escolar, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico DF, Mexico. jmms@pumas.iingen.unam.mx <jmms@pumas.iingen.unam.mx>
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Morgan-Sagastume
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Noyola
mesh_terms: D000332:Aerobiosis; D014873:Water Pollutants
chemical_list: D014873:Water Pollutants