Comparison between MBR and SBR on Anammox start-up process from the conventional activated sludge

Anammox start-up performances from the conventional activated sludge were compared between a MBR and SBR. Both the reactors successfully started up Anammox process. The start-up period in the MBR (59 days) was notably shorter than that in the SBR (101 days), and the max nitrogen (NH4++NO2-) removal capacity of 345.2 mg N L−1 d−1 in the MBR was also higher than that of 292.0 mg N L−1 d−1 in the SBR. FISH analysis showed that Anammox bacteria predominated in both reactors. Phylogenetic analysis further disclosed that the MBR had the better biodiversity of Anammox bacteria and gained a higher ecological stability. Generally, the results showed that MBR exhibited a more excellent performance for Anammox start-up.

► Both MBR and SBR successfully started up Anammox process from the conventional activated sludge.
► The start-up period in the MBR was notably shorter than that in SBR.
► Phylogenetic analysis further disclosed that the MBR had the better biodiversity of Anammox bacteria in the co-culture.
► MBR exhibited a more excellent performance for Anammox start-up compared with SBR.