Detachment of solids and nitrifiers in integrated, fixed-film activated sludge systems.
Despite the importance of detachment to biofilm processes, detachment phenomena are not well understood. In this study, researchers investigated biofilm detachment from free-floating biofilm carriers that were established in an integrated, fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) installation in Mississauga, Ontario. A method for assessing detachment from biofilm carrier systems was devised, evaluated, and refined during this study. In the absence of substrate, superficial air velocity significantly affected the 24-hour detachment rates of total suspended solids from the carriers. Short-term growth conditions did not appear to significantly affect the rate of detachment of solids and nitrifiers. The measured solids-detachment rates were found to be described by a second order function of biofilm attached growth total solids with a detachment coefficient of 0.006 +/- 0.0008 (g/m x d)(-1).
Maas
Carol L A
CL
Hydroxyl Systems Inc., 26 Bastion Square, Victoria BC, Canada. clamaas@gmail.com
Parker
Wayne J
WJ
Legge
Raymond L
RL
D018441:Biofilms; D008954:Models, Biological; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D012722:Sewage; D009584:Nitrogen