Abstract
Aerated submerged bio-film (ASBF) pilot plant has been developed. The presented studies optimized an inexpensive method of enhanced wastewater treatment. The objectives of this research were to describe pilot scale experiments for efficient removal of dissolved organic and nitrogen compounds by using ASBF reactor in plug-flow reactor (PFR) and improve understanding of dissolved organic matter and nitrogen compounds removal rates with dynamic relationships between heterotrophs and autotrophs in the fixed-film reactor. This research explores the possibility of enhancing the performance of shallow wastewater treatment lagoons through the addition of specially designed structures. This direct gas-phase contact should increase the oxygen transfer rate into the bio-film, as well as increase the micro-climate mixing of water, nutrients, and waste products into and out of the bio-film. This research also investigated the efficiency of dissolved organic matter and ammonia nitrogen removals in the ASBF. As it was anticipated, nitrification activity was highest during periods when the flow rate was lower, but it seemed to decline during times when the flow rate was highest. And ammonia nitrogen removal rates were more sensitive than dissolved organic matter removal rates when flow rates exceeded 2.2 L/min.