Biological Process Intensification in Wastewater

Problem

A 1,000-gallon industrial wastewater pretreatment system faced high levels of ammonia and BOD that required reduction to meet effluent standards.

Solution

A small quantity of PBM, housed in plastic balls, was added to the system with controlled dissolved oxygen (DO) at 5 mg/L and a median pH of 6.6 over a testing period of 3,000 hours.

Results:

• Ammonia (NH₃) levels reduced from 21-34.6 mg/L (median 29.4 mg/L) to as low as 0.1 mg/L.

• BOD/TOC decreased from an average of 45 mg/L to 3.3 mg/L.

• Nitrate (NO₃) levels reduced from 30 mg/L to an average of 8 mg/L, achieving a denitrification efficiency of 72%.

Problem

A 1 MGD municipal wastewater treatment plant in Union, OH, had retention time limitations that prevented it from meeting discharge standards.

Solution

PBM, equivalent to 5% of the aerated reactor volume, was added to the system to enhance treatment capacity.

Results:

• Ammonia levels in effluent reduced by 75%.

• Treatment improvements observed within one month, and after 18 months, media inspection showed no significant fouling.

Problem

An existing treatment system at a chicken farm struggled to meet strict ammonia and nitrogen discharge standards.

Solution

A prefabricated treatment module with PBM and a low-energy air pump was installed to maintain required aeration levels.

Results:

• The system consistently achieved ammonia levels below 1 mg/L since its 2022 installation, requiring minimal maintenance.