Upgrading of wastewater treatment plants equipped with rotating biological contactors to nitrification and P removal

Abstract

In the course of a research project on the further use of treatment plants with rotating biological contactors for nitrification and phosphorus removal, full-scale investigations were carried out. From the results design parameters for phosphorus pre-precipitation as well as for secondary and tertiary nitrifying RBCs were derived. Regarding the impact of the oxygen concentration, the alkalinity and the pH, respectively, on nitrifying biofilms, former research work could mostly be confirmed. Concepts for the upgrading of different types of RBC plants are discussed - including cost estimations.