Experiences gained in the operation of anaerobic treatment plants in Germany

• Published in: Water Science & Technology Vol. 30; no. 12; pp. 415 - 424
• Main Authors: Austermann-Haun, U, Seyfried, C F
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London IWA Publishing 01.01.1994
• Subjects: Acidification; Aluminium; Aluminum; Ammonium; Ammonium compounds; Anaerobic digestion; Anaerobic treatment; Construction planning; Educational institutions; Industrial plants; Industrial wastes; Industrial wastewater; Industry; Magnesium; Municipal wastewater; Pectin; Phosphates; Saccharides; Sludge; Starch; Wastewater; Wastewater treatment; Wastewater treatment plants; Water treatment plants; Germany
• ISBN: 9780080426419; 0080426417
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.2166/wst.1994.0641

An overview of anaerobic treatment of industrial wastewaters in western Germany is provided. Seventy-seven industrial anaerobic plants were operating. Treatment of sugar beet, potato starch, brewery and mixed industrial effluents are considered. Data and details of treatment plants are provided. Problems are discussed and solutions suggested. The former include lime precipitation, magnesium ammonium phosphate precipitation, high nitrate concentrations, pH variations and aluminium precipitation, and high loadings in the treatment of sugar beet, starch, pectin, brewery and mixed wastewaters, respectively. The most interesting development was the proposed pre-treatment of the wastewater from several small industries in an anaerobic fixed-film reactor before final treatment in the municipal nutrient removal activated sludge system.