Start-up of anaerobic baffled reactor in series with upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor reactors, using parameters of sedimentation for formation of sludge

This study aimed to evaluate anaerobic biomass formation in anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and sequentialy in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, using the solids liable to sedimentation present in swine wastewater (SW). The ABR and UASB reactors operated in series with hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 15 and 9. The average volumetric organic loading rates (VOLR) was about 53.8, and 36.2 kg.m(-3) d(-1) in terms of total COD, respectively. The average removal efficiencies, during the starting up process and biomass formation concernig BOD520 degrees(C) about 68% (ABR) and 55% (UASB), and in terms of COD about 78% (ABR) and 70% (UASB), respectively. The authors concluded that it is possible, using the sedimentation parameters adopted, to form a granulated biomass, even operating with high organic loadings.