Effects of sludge retention time on oxic-settling-anoxic process performance: biosolids reduction and dewatering properties

Authors

Galilee U. Semblante, University of WollongongFollow
Faisal I. Hai, University of WollongongFollow
Heriberto A. Bustamante, Sydney Water CorporationFollow
William E. Price, University of WollongongFollow
Long D. Nghiem, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

108850

Publication Details

Semblante, G. U., Hai, F. I., Bustamante, H., Price, W. E. & Nghiem, L. D. (2016). Effects of sludge retention time on oxic-settling-anoxic process performance: biosolids reduction and dewatering properties. Bioresource Technology, 218 1187-1194.

Abstract

In this study, the effect of sludge retention time (SRT) on oxic-settling-anoxic (OSA) process was determined using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) attached to external aerobic/anoxic reactors. The SRT of the external reactors was varied from 10 to 40 d. Increasing SRT from 10 to 20 d enhanced volatile solids destruction in the external anoxic reactor as evidenced by the release of nutrients, however, increasing the SRT to 40 d did not enhance volatile solids destruction further. Relatively short SRT (10–20 d) favoured the conversion of destroyed solids into inert products. The application of an intermediate SRT (20 d) of the external reactor showed the highest sludge reduction performance (>35%). Moreover, at the optimum SRT, OSA improved sludge dewaterability as demonstrated by lower capillary suction time and higher dewatered cake solids content.