ANAEROBIC COUPLED-INTEGRATED SEQUENTIAL ANOXIC AEROBIC (AN-ISA) REACTOR FOR ORGANIC MATTER AND NUTRIENT REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER

The aim of the project is to develop an anaerobic coupled-integrated sequential anoxic aerobic reactor to remove organic matter and nutrient from wastewaters. Wastewater is rich in carbon source which through an anaerobic reaction can produce methane (CH4), a biogas that can be effectively used as a renewable energy source. Nitrogen source that is present in the wastewater is the main contributor to eutrophication. With denitrification process that occurred in the anoxic-anaerobic region of the reactor, nitrate and nitrite can be reduced to nitrogen gas. In a conventional wastewater treatment plant, the setting demands a vast areas of land. This novel reactor will integrates anoxic, anaerobic, aerobic treatment into a single vertical unit which reduces the land requirement as well as the operating cost. Reactor’s performance was evaluated in terms of energy recovery, organic matter and nitrogen removal. OECD synthetic wastewater was used in testing the reactor’s performance. The proposed COD concentration of the influent is 300mg/L to 2500mg/L with a steady flow of 5 L/day. The effluent treated meets the discharge limit of Standard A by removing up to 97% of COD, biogas is being collected at the rate of 2.5L.day.