Trickling filters following anaerobic sewage treatment: state of the art and perspectives
- 14 September 2018
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology
- Vol. 4 (11), 1721-1738
- https://doi.org/10.1039/c8ew00330k
Abstract
High-rate anaerobic treatment of sewage using upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors is a consolidated technology in warm climate countries. Nevertheless, since anaerobic treatment only removes organic carbon, post-treatment is required to remove nitrogen, besides residual organic carbon. Trickling filters (TFs) constitute a cost-effective post-treatment option, assuring low sludge production, low operational costs and maintenance simplicity compared to other post-treatment technologies (e.g. activated sludge). This paper reviews the experience of the last 20 years of research, design and operation of UASB/TF systems. Three main topics are addressed: i) the development of trickling filters for UASB reactor effluent treatment, building on first experiences with TFs preceded by primary settlers; ii) the design criteria, performance and empirical models for predicting the efficiency of TFs post-UASB reactors; and iii) the future challenges associated with elimination of secondary settlers and nitrogen removal in sponge-bed trickling filters (SBTFs).Funding Information
- Universiteit Gent (Ghent University Special Research Fund (BOF UGent))
- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
- Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais
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