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Efficient treatment of dairy processing wastewater in a pilot scale Intermittently Aerated Sequencing Batch Reactor (IASBR)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 August 2018

Peter Leonard ,
William Finnegan ,
Maria Barrett  and
Xinmin Zhan
Peter Leonard
Affiliation:
Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, Galway, Ireland
William Finnegan
Affiliation:
Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, Galway, Ireland
Maria Barrett
Affiliation:
Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, Galway, Ireland School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Xinmin Zhan*
Affiliation:
Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, Galway, Ireland
*
*For correspondence; e-mail: xinmin.zhan@nuigalway.ie
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Abstract

This Research Communication describes the initial operation of a pilot-scale intermittently aerated sequencing batch reactor system, which is located at an Irish dairy processing factory. Laboratory-scale research has facilitated the design specifications and operational parameters necessary for the construction and running of a pilot-scale. Laboratory scale research was necessary prior to the pilot scale system to ensure high quality treatment and nutrient removal efficiencies. The pilot system operates with a hydraulic retention time of 4 d, a solids retention time of 16 d and a cycle length of 12 hours. There are 4 non-aeration and aeration phases within the system's react phase. This system has a 3000 l working volume, treating 375 l of wastewater per cycle, 750 l daily. The system was seeded from an aeration tank at the dairy processing factory where the unit is located. The system is operating with the goal to remove both nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater biologically, reducing the need for chemical treatment. Currently, the system is performing with high efficiency, treating the wastewater to an acceptable level according to the Irish Environmental Protection Agency for discharge into surrounding water bodies. Therefore, the initial removal results demonstrate this technology's suitability for the treatment of high strength dairy wastewaters.

Keywords

Biological wastewater treatmentdairy processing wastewaterintermittent aerationnitrogenphosphoruspilot scale
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 85 , Issue 3 , August 2018 , pp. 384 - 387
Copyright
Copyright © Hannah Dairy Research Foundation 2018 

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