Bench-scale treatability study of a dilute synthetic dairy wastewater, by combined anaerobic-aerobic systems, at ambient temperature conditions.

摘要

This research project consisted of studying the feasibility of a combined UASB-activated sludge process configuration for treating a dilute synthetic substrate, simulating a dairy wastewater, at a laboratory temperature averaging 23.5 ± 0.8°C. The bench-scale experimental work was carried-out in two parallel biotreatment systems fed in series. They consisted of relatively small-scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors of 3.85 and 3.75 L, respectively, followed by 2 L-activated sludge polishing processes. The feed concentration applied to one of the systems consisted of the minimum influent strength recommended for successful anaerobic treatment (∼1 000 mg COD_t/L) while the second system was of the domestic sewage-strength range (∼500 mg COD_t/L), achieved by dilution.; The mainly soluble complex feedstock used consisted of tap water and Iron Fortified Enfalac™ Infant Formula. It was supplemented chemically to ensure that proper (N and P) nutrient requirements were met as well as to increase its buffering capacity and to adjust pH.; Three experimental runs were carried out by applying increasing UASB influent flow rates of 2, 4 and 8 L/d, in both systems. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)