Establishment of enhanced biological phosphorus removal process by using seed sludge from a conventional activated sludge process

A lab scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was set up and operated to establish an Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) process. The SBR was seeded with biomass collected from a conventional activated sludge process. Development of EBPR characteristics in the SBR were monitored periodically throughout the 54-days of reactor operation. After 13 days of reactor operation, EBPR characteristics were observed. Effluent concentration of PO43--P were in the range of 5.4-9.5 mg/L from Day 13 to Day 54, except on Day 33 PO43--P was not detected. Although phosphorus removal performance was rather consistent in the period between Day 13 and Day 54 of reactor operation, the desired effluent concentrations of PO43--P have yet to achieve. It is believed that phosphorus removal efficiency can be further improved by optimizing the operational conditions of the EBPR system. The results of this study supported the enrichment of PAOs in the SBR within a relatively short sludge acclimatization period. Thus, it is feasible to establish EBPR process by using seed sludge from conventional activated sludge process