• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.381-387
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• 2013

Nitrogen and phosphorus removal was investigated in an UASB-ABF (Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket - aerated bio-filter) anaerobic sewage treatment system. Successful removal of nitrogen and phosphorus with organic matters was possible in the UASB-ABF system from the results of 160 days operation with the influent raw domestic sewage. Removal efficiencies of organic matter (as TCOD) showed 64% in UASB without recycle of the ABF effluent, however, they increased to 92%, 95%, 96% with 120%, 180% and 240% recycle of the ABF effluent, respectively. Increasement of the organic matter removal was not prominent at recycle ratio above 180%. Apparent increase in TN removal occurred with recycle of the ABF effluent. TN removal efficiency was 18% without recycle, but it increased to 82% with 240% recycle of the ABF effluent. And stable nitrification above 95% was possible as a result of efficient removal of organic matter in the UASB with and without recycle of the effluent. Removal of both TP and $PO{_4}^{3-}$-P also increased remarkably with recycle of the effluent. Without recycle of the effluent, that is at strict anaerobic condition in UASB, TP was not removed, however, its removal efficiency increased to 51%, 63%, 71% at recycle ratios of 120%, 180%, 240%, respectively mainly at UASB.