Introduction of an Integrated Methanogenic Aerobic Single Sludge (IMASS) System

摘要

The objective of this bench-scale treatability work was to demonstrate that the treatments provided in separate anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment processes (two-sludge systems) could be reliably provided in a single-sludge system and thereby reduce system complexity and offer benefits not previously available. The resulting single-sludge system is referred to in this work as an integrated methanogenic aerobic single-sludge (IMASS) system with patent pending. Bench-scale testing was conducted on three separate wastewaters. Results of this work demonstrated greater than 90 percent COD removal, methane production, enhanced biological phosphorus removal, nitrification, denitrification, and excellent sludge settling properties. The ability to merge biological treatment processes into a single-sludge system offers new possibilities for combined energy recovery, low sludge production, enhanced sludge settling and compliance with strict effluent limits.