EFFECT OF NITROGEN LOADING ON THE NITROGEN REMOVAL PERFORMANCE IN MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR COUPLED WITH S-MEDIA

Abstract

The mixed anoxic-anaerobic-MBR system was able to remove 39% - 45% of total nitrogen from wastewater, however, the removal efficiency was increased up to 54% - 61% by adding elemental sulfur-based carriers (S-media). Besides, nitrogen loading is one of the operational factors that affect nitrogen removal, the nitrogen removal efficiency fluctuated at 54% ± 2%, 61% ± 2% and 57% ± 1% when the nitrogen loading rate was changed at 0,06; 0,12, and 0,18 g N/L/day, respectively. Due to a simultaneous occurrence of heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrification, the mass ratio of generated sulfate to removed nitrate at 0,06 N/L/day (maximum load for good system operation) was 1,95 ± 0,12 g/g and lower than the stoichiometric ratio of 7,5 g/g. On the other hand, the results also indicated that S-media had no adverse effect on the biological treatment of total phosphorus and organic matters. The total phosphorus removal efficiency was obtained at 44% ± 3% and organic compounds
were completely removed.