A DOUBLE-FEED ANAEROBIC FILTER FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIGH-STRENGTH WASTEWATERS

An Upflow Anaerobic Filter (UAF) treating cheese whey showed a non-homogeneous biomass distribution and COD degradation along the reactor. Higher biomass concentration with a higher methanogenic activity was present in the lower than in the upper part of the filter. In order to increase the methanogenic capacity of the filter, a double-feed system was tested. The UAF with the double feeding presented higher methane production and completely homogeneous characteristics regarding biomass distribution and activity as well as COD removal along the reactor.