Effect of C/N/P Ratio on the Performance of a Downflow Stationary Fixed Film Reactor (DSFFR) Working at Low Organic Loading Rates

• Published in: Water science and technology Vol. 21; no. 12; pp. 1673 - 1676
• Main Authors: Méndez, R., Pan, L. M., Lema, J. M.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London IWA Publishing 1989
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bacteria; Biogas; Chemical oxygen demand; Effluents; Exact sciences and technology; Fatty acids; General purification processes; Lactose; Nitrogen; Organic loading; Pollution; Reactors; Wastewaters; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.2166/wst.1989.0141

A diagram is given of a laboratory-scale anaerobic downward-flow fixed-film reactor used in studies on the effect of low concentrations of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) on performance. The reactors were operated at 37C, with clay as the packing material. Results are summarized in tables and graphs showing the effect of operation with different carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus ratios. A balanced reactor gave more stable operation than one with a low nitrogen content. The liquor in the balanced reactor had a low bacterial content, mainly of individual cocci. The nitrogen-deficient unit contained mainly aggregated cocci, and the phosphorus deficient unit contained mainly filamentous bacteria.