Phosphorus removal from nightsoil with sequencing batch reactor (SBR)

Phosphorus removal characteristics are rather complicated in a highly nitrogenous waste like nightsoil under treatment with SBR (sequencing batch reactor). It was found that the increased pH due to denitrification in anaerobic period stimulated chemical precipitation of phosphorus as struvite and hydroxyapatite, and the depressed pH due to nitrification in the aerobic period dissolved the previously formed precipitates. Phosphate accumulating organisms (PAO) worked as in the ordinary BNR (biological nutrient removal) systems regardless of the chemical reactions, but the chemical reactions masked the biological phosphorus release and uptake reactions. About 36% of phosphorus applied was removed biologically in polyphosphate granules. P-fractionation of sludges confirmed this phenomenon. Biological phosphorus removal could be increased with the increased anaerobic period. The morphological types of phosphorus precipitates were examined by SEM in combination with x-ray diffraction. (C) 1997 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.