Environmental Engineer:
Applied Research and Practice

Use of Pilot-Scale Batch Reactors to Explore Improvements in Biological Phosphorus Removal at Full-Scale Treatment Plants

Authors: John J. Wang, Ph.D., P.E., and Paul L. Bishop, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE

Abstract

The aeration tanks at two Ohio wastewater treatment plants (Mill Creek and Upper Mill Creek) were investigated to improve phosphorus (P) removal. Although these plants were operated in modes conducive to biological P removal (BPR) and had high P removal efficiencies, they still had difficulty in consistently meeting their P discharge targets. Pilot-Scale Batch Reactors (PSBR's) were installed and fed mixed liquor from the head end of the aeration tanks to investigate the influence of anaerobic/anoxic and aerobic zones on BPR. The PSBR's were useful in investigating the influence of anaerobic/anoxic and aerobic zones on BPR. The results were used to recommend process modifications to improve BPR.

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