Pilot-scale verification of efficient nitrifier backseeding in a combined activated sludge-biofilm system

Purpose of the paper is to experimentally verify that a downstream nitrifying fixed-film reactor may effectively backseed an activated sludge (AS) system. The experiment was carried out at the Southpest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Budapest, Hungary, with two pilot-scale AS systems connected directly to the preclarified influent and to the stream recirculated from the nitrifying fixed-film reactor of the full-scale plant ensuring both the nitrate and the backwashed biomass recirculation. Effluent NH4-N level dropped down to near zero in the experimental systems whereas no significant nitrification occurred in the fullscale plant being operated at lower aeration intensity. Simulation model developed for describing the combined system supported that backseeding was the cause of the high nitrification efficiency having been limited by inadequate oxygen supply in the full scale system