Rotating biological contactors : a review on main factors affecting performance

摘要

Rotating biological contactors (RBCs)constitute a very unique and superior alternativefor biodegradable matter and nitrogen removal onaccount of their feasibility, simplicity of design andoperation, short start-up, low land area requirement,low energy consumption, low operating and maintenancecost and treatment efficiency. The presentreview of RBCs focus on parameters that affectperformance like rotational speed, organic andhydraulic loading rates, retention time, biofilm supportmedia, staging, temperature, influent wastewatercharacteristics, biofilm characteristics, dissolved oxygenlevels, effluent and solids recirculation, stepfeedingand medium submergence. Some RBCsscale-up and design considerations, operational problemsand comparison with other wastewater treatmentsystems are also reported.