Enhanced biological phosphorus removal performance and microbial population changes at high organic loading rates

Chang Hoon Ahn, Hee Deung Park, Jae Kwang Park

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor was operated and the dynamics of Rhodocyclus-related phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) population was monitored. After the system reached a steady state and showed a stable enhanced biological phosphorus removal status, the organic loading rate was increased from 160 to 1,020 g COD m-3 cycle-1 in five steps. When the P storage capacity reached maximum at 330 g COD m-3 cycle-1, the system lost the stability and the effluent phosphorus concentration fluctuated. As the organic loading rate increased from 160 to 1,020 g COD m-3 cycle-1, the PAO population decreased from 83.8±4.9 to 32.2±16.2 % and internal polyphosphate content decreased from 0.20 to 0.03 mg P mg VSS-1. Phosphate-accumulating metabolism was weakened as the organic loading rate increased and PAO population decreased concomitantly, whereas glycogen-accumulating metabolism increased at high organic loading rates as supported by the increased intracellular glycogen content and production of a higher fraction of intracellular poly- Β -hydroxyl valerate.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)962-969
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Environmental Engineering
Volume133
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Abatement and removal
  • Biological treatment
  • Organic matter
  • Phosphorus
  • Wastewater management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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