Operation of a sequencing batch reactor for cultivating autotrophic nitrifying granules.
The granulation of nitrifying sludge in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) fed with NH(4)(+)-N-laden inorganic wastewater was investigated. After 120-day operation spherical and elliptical granules with an average diameter of 0.32 mm were observed. The hydrophobicity surface, settling velocity and specific gravity of the matured granules increased with the processing of sludge granulation. Spatial distribution of bacterial species within the autotrophic granules was analyzed with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Both ammonia- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were observed in the granular sludge. The Michaelis-Menten equation was used to describe their NH(4)(+)-N utilization rate, and the kinetic coefficients were calculated to be v(m) = 18.0 mg/g-VSS/h and K(m) = 36.7 mg/l. Taking into account the NH(4)(+)-N utilization rate and removal efficiency together, an NH(4)(+)-N concentration range of 100-250 mg/l was found to be favourable for the operation of the SBR to cultivate nitrifying granules.
Shi
Xian-Yang
XY
Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
Sheng
Guo-Ping
GP
Li
Xiao-Yan
XY
Yu
Han-Qing
HQ
D000332:Aerobiosis; D052818:Autotrophic Processes; D019149:Bioreactors / Q000382:microbiology*; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007700:Kinetics; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology*; D013379:Substrate Specificity
D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D012722:Sewage; D009584:Nitrogen