External carbon source addition as a means to control an activated sludge nutrient removal process

Abstract In alternating type activated sludge nutrient removal processes, the denitrification rate can be limited by the availability of readily-degradable carbon substrate. A control strategy is proposed by which an easily metabolizable COD source is added directly to that point in the process at which denitrification momentarily occurs. This approach serves to increase the denitrification rate on demand, thereby allowing the accumulation of nitrate and nitrite during periods of peak nitrogen loading to be reduced or avoided. A pilot plant demonstration of the control strategy using acetate as COD source is provided, showing a marked improvement in effluent water quality as compared to the uncontrolled case. An examination of the resulting denitrification rates illustrates the direct proportionality between these rates and the rate of COD addition.