Issue 11, 2018

Trickling filters following anaerobic sewage treatment: state of the art and perspectives

Abstract

High-rate anaerobic treatment of sewage using upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors is a consolidated technology in warm climate countries. Nevertheless, since anaerobic treatment only removes organic carbon, post-treatment is required to remove nitrogen, besides residual organic carbon. Trickling filters (TFs) constitute a cost-effective post-treatment option, assuring low sludge production, low operational costs and maintenance simplicity compared to other post-treatment technologies (e.g. activated sludge). This paper reviews the experience of the last 20 years of research, design and operation of UASB/TF systems. Three main topics are addressed: i) the development of trickling filters for UASB reactor effluent treatment, building on first experiences with TFs preceded by primary settlers; ii) the design criteria, performance and empirical models for predicting the efficiency of TFs post-UASB reactors; and iii) the future challenges associated with elimination of secondary settlers and nitrogen removal in sponge-bed trickling filters (SBTFs).

Graphical abstract: Trickling filters following anaerobic sewage treatment: state of the art and perspectives

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
20 Cax 2018
Accepted
30 Leq 2018
First published
14 Way 2018

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2018,4, 1721-1738

Trickling filters following anaerobic sewage treatment: state of the art and perspectives

T. Bressani-Ribeiro, P. G. S. Almeida, E. I. P. Volcke and C. A. L. Chernicharo, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2018, 4, 1721 DOI: 10.1039/C8EW00330K

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