The exceptional simultaneous removal of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in a simple activated sludge treatment system at Kingsburgh Wastewater Treatment Works

Abstract

This paper presents two types of processes at Kingsburgh wastewater treatment works. The West plant was designed as a BNR plant using the UCT configuration. However, due to plant process optimisation, the West plant has been operating for five years without the internal recycle from the aerated zone to the anoxic zone. This treatment system has been operated in a simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND) mode following an extended anaerobic zone. The second treatment process, the East plant is a conventional activated sludge plant which has been recently recommissioned is being operated as to promote N and P removal by intelligent control of aerator hours, and at the same time the amount of oxygen input. In both processes SND is obtained by low aeration in which the bulk phase dissolved oxygen is between 0.5 and 0.8 mg/l. The plant performance has been assessed by monitoring nitrate, ammonia and alkalinity. Small dosages of alum are added on a continuous basis to ensure consistent P removal to less than 0.5 mg/ l, and with the added benefit of providing process stability.

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