Issue 1, 2018

Aerobic granulation for future wastewater treatment technology: challenges ahead

Abstract

Aerobic granules were discovered around 20 years back. These are spherical aggregates of mixed microbial culture, typically around 0.5–3 mm in diameter. Aerobic granule-based wastewater treatment technology has been successfully used on a full-scale for real wastewater treatment. It is argued that the aerobic granule-based technology can potentially replace the traditional activated sludge process. The first of its advantages is that aerobic granule-based wastewater treatment plants can be built within around one quarter of the land occupied by conventional activated sludge-based plants. Additionally, this technology can reduce the operating cost by nearly 25%. Reduction in sludge production and reduction in energy consumption (around 30%) are other benefits of this technology. Granule formation is a relatively slow process. In fact, the time taken for granule formation is a challenge for a full-scale application of this technology. The mechanism behind aerobic granule formation is not fully understood. Thus, further investigation of the molecular mechanism of granule formation would be crucial for the successful commercialization of this technology.

Graphical abstract: Aerobic granulation for future wastewater treatment technology: challenges ahead

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
06 mai 2017
Accepted
06 out 2017
First published
10 out 2017

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2018,4, 9-15

Aerobic granulation for future wastewater treatment technology: challenges ahead

S. J. Sarma and J. H. Tay, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2018, 4, 9 DOI: 10.1039/C7EW00148G

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements