Biological Phosphorus Removal Potential Test

Conclusions

The feasibility test proposed by Kang et al. (1991) seems to be a good procedure to evaluate the feasibility of BPR if the phosphorus release rates of the wastewater of interest with and without acetate addition are very similar or very different. However, it does not provide a clear answer on the feasibility of BPR if the phosphorus release rates of the wastewater with and without acetate addition are neither identical nor completely different.

The BPR potential test, using a constant ratio between phosphorus uptake and phosphorus release, appears to properly determine the feasibility of BPR for a specific wastewater. The test was validated by comparing the result with the effluent phosphorus concentration obtained from a SBR operation. The BPR potential test was not affected if the wastewater sample was stored at 4°C for less than 24 hours.

Although BOD/P and COD/P values indicated that Oakfield, Green Lake, Ashland, Campbellsport, and Green Bay wastewaters were feasible for BPR, the BPR potential test demonstrated that only Green Bay wastewater could meet the phosphorus discharge limit set by the Wisconsin Department of Nature Resources.

The effect of sludge mixed liquor concentration on the BPR potential test was significant; therefore, the sludge concentration should be controlled at a target level. Since the effects of phosphorus content in sludge and differently acclimated sludges on the BPR potential were noticeable, further studies are needed.

More information on this topic: Gerry Novotny