Simultaneous biodegradability enhancement and high-efficient nitrogen removal in an innovative single stage anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic hybrid airlift bioreactor (HALBR) for composting leachate treatment: Process modeling and optimization

Mahsa Mirghorayshi, Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh*, Mark van Loosdrecht

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A novel hybrid airlift bioreactor (HALBR) for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal from composting leachate was studied. In contrast to conventional airlift bioreactors, an anaerobic chamber was mounted at the bottom part to improve biodegradability of composting leachate and optimize overall COD removal. Desired aerobic and anoxic conditions provided by airlift configuration and oxygen concentration gradients within the biofilm increased the capability of system for TN removal through SND. Three independent variables, hydraulic retention time (HRT) (18–30 h), air flow rate (AFR) (1–2 Lair/min), and aerobic volume ratio (AVR) (0.22–0.26) were evaluated as operating parameters. The optimum conditions were an HRT of 28.3–30 h and AFR of 1.7–2 Lair/min, giving 3600 mg/L (90%) of COD and 598.4 mg/L (80%) of TN removal, respectively with an effluent turbidity less than 70 NTU. The outcomes demonstrated that this innovative single HALBR is a feasible and reliable technology for treatment of composting leachate.

Original languageEnglish
Article number127019
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume407
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Attached growth
  • Composting leachate
  • Hybrid airlift bioreactor (HALBR)
  • Simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal
  • Singe bioreactor

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