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Detachment of Solids and Nitrifiers in Integrated, Fixed‐Film Activated Sludge Systems
Author(s) -
Maas Carol L. A.,
Parker Wayne J.,
Legge Raymond L.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.2175/106143008x304758
Subject(s) - biofilm , activated sludge , chemistry , suspended solids , environmental engineering , chemical engineering , environmental science , wastewater , bacteria , engineering , biology , genetics
Despite the importance of detachment to biofilm processes, detachment phenomena are not well understood. In this study, researchers investigated biofilm detachment from free‐floating biofilm carriers that were established in an integrated, fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) installation in Mississauga, Ontario. A method for assessing detachment from biofilm carrier systems was devised, evaluated, and refined during this study. In the absence of substrate, superficial air velocity significantly affected the 24‐hour detachment rates of total suspended solids from the carriers. Short‐term growth conditions did not appear to significantly affect the rate of detachment of solids and nitrifiers. The measured solids‐detachment rates were found to be described by a second order function of biofilm attached growth total solids with a detachment coefficient of 0.006 ± 0.0008 (g/m · d) −1 .