Anaerobic transformations of wastewater organic matter and sulfide production – investigations in a pilot plant pressure sewer

Abstract

Anaerobic transformations of wastewater organic matter and sulfide production rate were studied using a pilot plant pressure sewer (inner diameter: 102 mm, length: 47 m). Furthermore, a process model description including carbon and sulfur cycle was presented. Wastewater characterization based on oxygen utilization rate (OUR) measurement and VFA analysis was employed. Under anaerobic conditions, a net production of readily biodegradable substrate was observed, which fact is important for biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus at subsequent wastewater treatment plants. Model parameters were determined on the basis of experimental findings. The model simulation of transformations of organic matter in sewers can be used as input to the model simulation and evaluation of the processes in wastewater treatment plants. The model is also useful to evaluate the problems in both sewers themselves and treatment plants caused by hydrogen sulfide.