Combination process of limited filamentous bulking and nitrogen removal via nitrite for enhancing nitrogen removal and reducing aeration requirements

Limited filamentous bulking (LFB) activated sludge process was proposed by Guo et al. (2010) to increase the removal of tiny suspended particulates in the clarifier and reduce aeration energy consumption. However, when the use of LFB process, ammonium removal efficiency would be compromised due to low dissolved oxygen (DO). In this study, the combination process of nitrogen removal via nitrite and LFB was achieved to enhance nitrogen removal and reduce aeration energy consumption by controlling low DO levels (0.5–1.0 mg L−1) in a lab-scale anoxic–oxic reactor (V = 66 L) treating real domestic wastewater at room temperature. Above 85% of nitrite accumulation ratio was steadily maintained during continuous operation period. The combined process improved the total nitrogen (TN) removal by about 20% in comparison to the traditional process via the nitrate pathway, and also reduced the specific aeration energy consumption by 35%. COD, ammonium and TN removal efficiencies were up to 86%, 94% and 75%, respectively. The process proved effective in achieving a steady LFB state, whereby sludge volume index between 150 and 250 mL g−1 was sustained for long-term operation. The microbial community structure was analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, which indicated ammonia-oxidizing bacteria out-competed nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Moreover, the filaments Type 0041 and Microthrix parvicella proliferated with limited abundance. The results indicated the combination process of LFB and nitrogen removal via nitrite under low DO was a feasible solution for saving energy and enhancing nitrogen removal when treating domestic wastewater.

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► A combination process of nitrogen removal via nitrite and limited filamentous bulking was developed.
► This process not only improved COD, NH4+–N, SS and TN removal efficiencies, but also reduced aeration energy consumption.
► Nitrite accumulation ratio reached above 85% in continuous A/O reactor treating real domestic wastewater.
► The accumulation of nitrite did not deteriorate the state of limited filamentous bulking.