Optimization of rotational speed and hydraulic retention time of a rotational sponge reactor for sewage treatment

A rotational sponge (RS) reactor was proposed as an alternative sewage treatment process. Prior to the application of an RS reactor for sewage treatment, this study evaluated reactor performance with regard to organic removal, nitrification, and nitrogen removal and sought to optimize the rotational speed and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the system. RS reactor obtained highest COD removal, nitrification, and nitrogen removal efficiencies of 91%, 97%, and 65%, respectively. For the optimization, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed and optimum conditions of rotational speed and HRT were 18 rounds per hour and 4.8 h, respectively. COD removal, nitrification, and nitrogen removal efficiencies at the optimum conditions were 85%, 85%, and 65%, respectively. Corresponding removal rates at optimum conditions were 1.6 kg-COD m(-3)d(-1), 0.3 kg-NH4+- N m(-3)d(-1), and 0.12 kg-N m(-3)d(-1) . Microbial community analysis revealed an abundance of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria in the reactor, which contributed to nitrification and nitrogen removal.