Optimization Of The Biological Nitrification Process Control In A Large Wastewater Treatment Plant

The possibility of using continuous titrimetry as an innovative monitoring method for activated sludge-process control was confirmed through a comparison of the results of titrimetric tests with those of conventional nitrification-control methods and with the output of the model. The innovative control strategy based on the online measurement of the maximum ammonia oxidation rate overcomes the disadvantage of a delay in obtaining information about the nitrification due to the use of offline respirometers/titrimeters, direct (ammonia and nitrate sensors) or indirect (pH, redox) measurements. The application of the tested technique would make possible to ensure high nitrogen removal efficiency while at the same time minimizing energy consumption through the control of the oxygen concentration and retention time of solids in the oxidation tanks. Moreover, the new monitoring and control strategy allow to detect inhibition phenomena immediately, and allow the operators to promptly adopt counter-measures. This study is part of the BIOCLOC (BIOprocess Control Online titrimetry to reduce the Carbon footprint in wastewater treatment) Research Project, LIFE12 ENV/IT/000120.