Municipal biological nutrient removal bioreactor upgrade using integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS): Pilot scale investigation

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Untreated wastewater containing nitrogen and phosphorus can cause eutrophication which extends algae growth and decreases oxygen concentration in river and lake. To prevent eutrophication and conserve drinking water source, nitrogen and phosphorus should be removed from wastewater. Biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems using activated sludge are the core technology of the biological wastewater treatment process for ammonia removal. However, these types of systems are often compromised in Canada during cold winter and high flow (snow melting) seasons in terms of ammonia removal. The proposed study will evaluate the effectiveness of fixed and mobile biofilm media addition (i.e., IFAS systems) to the existing activated sludge bioreactors for significantly enhanced biological nutrient removal under cold winter and high flow conditions. Fixed and mobile biofilm support media will be evaluated separately in two pilot scale bioreactors that are operated to achieve optimal nutrient removal efficiency at the EPCOR Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant in the City of Edmonton. The results of this research will determine the appropriate media to upgrade a full-scale existing biological nutrient removal system, and will provide a reference for full-scale testing in the future. Such treatment will provide significant economic and environmental benefits to Canada. The highly qualified personnel participating in this CRD Program will obtain academic and industrial knowledge and experience that will strengthen Alberta's and Canada's capacities in wastewater treatment management.