The objective of this study is to improve knowledge on the integrated fixed-film-activated sludge (IFAS) system designed for nitrogen removal. Biofilm growth and its contribution to nitrification were monitored under various operating conditions in a semi-industrial pilot-scale plant. Nitrification rates were observed in biofilms developed on free-floating media and in activated sludge operated under a low sludge retention time (4 days) and at an ammonia loading rate of 45–70 gNH4-N/kgMLVSS/d. Operational conditions, i.e. oxygen concentration, redox potential, suspended solids concentration, ammonium and nitrates, were monitored continuously in the reactors. High removal efficiencies were observed for carbon and ammonium at high-loading rate. The contribution of biofilm to nitrification was determined as 40–70% of total NOx-N production under the operating conditions tested. Optimal conditions to optimize process compacity were determined. The tested configuration responds especially well to winter and summer nitrification conditions. These results help provide a deeper understanding of how autotrophic biomass evolves through environmental and operational conditions in IFAS systems.
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Research Article|
March 21 2015
Understanding the contribution of biofilm in an integrated fixed-film-activated sludge system (IFAS) designed for nitrogen removal
P. Moretti;
P. Moretti
1Irstea, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua CS70077, 69626 Villeurbanne, France
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J. M. Choubert;
1Irstea, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua CS70077, 69626 Villeurbanne, France
E-mail: jean-marc.choubert@irstea.fr
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J. P. Canler;
J. P. Canler
1Irstea, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua CS70077, 69626 Villeurbanne, France
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O. Petrimaux;
O. Petrimaux
2Vinci Environnement France SA, 89 Boulevard Franklin Roosevelt, 92506 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex, France
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P. Buffiere;
P. Buffiere
3Laboratoire de Génie Civil et d'Ingénierie Environnementale, Université de Lyon, INSA de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
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P. Lessard
P. Lessard
4Département de Génie Civil et de Génie des Eaux, Pavillon Adrien-Pouliot, Université Laval Québec (Qc), Canada G1V0A6
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Water Sci Technol (2015) 71 (10): 1500–1506.
Article history
Received:
November 27 2014
Accepted:
March 04 2015
Citation
P. Moretti, J. M. Choubert, J. P. Canler, O. Petrimaux, P. Buffiere, P. Lessard; Understanding the contribution of biofilm in an integrated fixed-film-activated sludge system (IFAS) designed for nitrogen removal. Water Sci Technol 1 May 2015; 71 (10): 1500–1506. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2015.127
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