Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers, Inc.

2017 Annual Convention

Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR):

An Emerging Nutrient Removal Technology
To Comply DAO 2016-08 of the
Clean Water Act of the Philippines

Robert R. Ajaban, CE,SE, GE,MSSE,ASEAN,APEC Engineer

Practicing Wastewater Engineer
 Outline of Presentation
 Difference Between DAO 35 and DAO 2016-08 on General
Effluent Standards
 Understanding Biological Treatment Processes
 Treatment Technologies for Nitrate Removal
 Treatment Technologies for Phosphorus Removal
 Understanding Biological Nutrient Removal
 Design Considerations of Biological Nutrient Removal
 Nutrient Removal Projects
 Sample Treatment Process Flowsheet
 Video Presentation
 Significant General Effluent
Parameters and Standards
PARAMETERS UNIT DAO-1990-35 DAO-2016-08
Class C Class C
Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L 100 100
COD
Biological Oxygen Demand, mg/L 50 50
BOD
Total Suspended Solids, TSS mg/L 70 100
pH 6.5-9.5 6.0-9.5
Ammonia as NH3-N mg/L 0.5 0.5
Nitrate as NO3-N mg/L - 14
Temperature oC change 3 3
Surfactants mg/L 5 15
Oil and Grease mg/L 5 5
Phosphate mg/L - 1
Total Coliform MPN/100mL 10,000 10,000

Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL - 400

 Major Group and Subgroups of Biological
Treatment Processes and Their Applications
Major Group Description Major Subgroup Application

Treatment occurs in Suspended growth, Removal of

presence of oxygen. attached growth, carbonaceous
Aerobic and combined BOD and
Process suspended and nitrification
attached growth

Treatment occurs in Suspended growth Removal of

Anaerobic absence of oxygen and attached carbonaceous
Processes and nitrate. growth BOD
Treatment occurs in a Suspended growth Removal of
single or multiple and combination carbonaceous
reactors. Anaerobic, of suspended and BOD, nitrification,
anoxic, and aerobic attached growth denitrification, and
Biological conditions are phosphorous
Nutrient created. release and uptake
Denitrification,
Removal
phosphorus release,
and uptake occur in
presence of suitable
carbon source.
NITROGEN REMOVAL
 Nitrogen removal in wastewater can be attained in
five processes, as follows:

 Conversion of nitrogen to nitrogen gas which escapes

into the atmosphere
 Biological uptake of microorganisms for biomass
growth
 Ammonia stripping
 Ion exchange
 Reverse Osmosis membranes
PROCESSES USED FOR NITROGEN REMOVAL
 PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL
Phosphorus removal in wastewater can be
removed in three options:

 Convert the phosphorus to a chemical

specie by adding a metal salt or lime
 Incorporate the phosphorus into the biomass
 Processes such as Reverse Osmosis and
nanofilters
PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL
 Biological Nitrogen Removal

Nitrification

Nitrification is conversion of ammonia to nitrate. This conversion

process generally involves two oxidation reactions: (1) oxidation of
ammonia to nitrate and (2) oxidation of nitrite to nitrite.

 In the nitrification process, the oxidation reactions are carried out

by autotrophic organisms.
 These organisms are generally called nitrifiers. The nitrifiers consist
of two distinctive genera of organisms: Nitrosomonas and
Nitrobacter.
 In the first step, the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite occurs and,
Nitrosomonas is invoved.
 Subsequently, the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate is carried out by
Nitrobacter.
 Biological Nitrogen Removal

 Nitrification can be accomplished on conjunction with a typical

carbonaceous BOD removal process using suspended growth,
attached growth, or a combination of suspended and attached
growth reactors.
 Additional oxygen, however, is required to oxidize ammonia to
nitrate. The stoichiometric oxygen requirement for oxidation of
ammonia to nitrate is 4.57 g O2/g NH4+-N.
 The concentration of total kjeld nitrogen (TKN) in the influent is
significantly lower than that of organic substances , and the cell
mass produced due to ammonia oxidation is also smaller than that
due to BOD5 removal. As a result, the fraction of nitrifiers in the
total population in the mixed liquor is typically in the range of 2-5
percent of MLVSS.
 The activity of nitrifiers in a single-stage reactor depends upon the
ratio of BOD5 to TKN in the influent. At a ratio of 5 or higher, the
activity of nitrifiers is limited. (BOD:N:P = 100:5:1)
 Biological Nitrogen Removal

 The concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in an aerobic zone

may also affect the nitrification process. The growth rate of
nitrifiers at a DO level in the range of 0.3 – 0.5 mg/L may be
insufficient, and nitrification may not occur. The nitrification rate
increases with an increase in DO in the range of 1.0 – 3.0 mg/L. a
minimum DO level of 2.0 mg/L is recommended for process
design.
 The effect of low pH on nitrification reaction is significant. The
optimum pH for nitrification is in the range of 7.2 – 8.6. nitrification
practically stops at a pH below 6.3. Alkalinity is consumed during
the nitrification process.
 Biological Nitrogen Removal

Denitrification
Denitrification is a conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas. This
conversion process is carried out by microorganisms through a
sequence of reduction reactions.
 Denitrification is an anoxic process that requires (a) the absence
of oxygen and (b) the presence of a suitable organic carbon
source as electron donor. This process is usually carried out by
facultative heterotrophic bacteria termed denitrifiers.
 The organic carbon source is required for the growth of
denitrifiers. Based on the organic carbon sources, denitrification
can be classified as (a) combined carbon oxidation
nitrification/denitrification systems (single-sludge systems) using
incoming raw wastewater as the sole organic carbon source and
(b) separate-stage denitrification systems (separate-sludge
systems) using a suitable external organic carbon source such as
methanol. The denitrification reaction can be achieved in either
a suspended growth or attached growth reactor.
 Biological Nitrogen Removal

 In a BNR system, a large population of heterotrophic organisms

would utilize nitrate as the final electron acceptor under an
anoxic condition. However, because of a single-sludge system
with internal recycle, the heterotrophic population is alternated
between anoxic and aerobic environments. As a result, the
overall denitrification rate in a single-sludge system would be
lower than that in a separate-sludge system. The lower
denitrification rate in a single-sludge system may be adjusted by
assuming that a smaller population of total heterotrophic
organisms actually are able to carry out denitrification.
 The denitrification rate is very sensitive to the DO level in the
anoxic zone. It has been reported that the a minimum DO level
of 0.1 mg/L in the anoxic zone is generally assumed for the
design of the denitrification process.
 Biological Nitrogen Removal

 The effect of pH is not significant if denitrification is carried out

within the desired range of pH 6.5 – 8. A portion of alkalinity is
recovered by the heterotrophic denitrification reactions. The
recovery of alkalinity (as CaCO3) is approximately 3.57 gram
per gram of NO3ˉ-N reduced. This is approximately one-half the
amount od alkalinity destroyed by nitrification.
 Temperature can significantly affect denitrification. The growth
rate of denitrifiers decreases with a decrease in temperature.
Therefore, proper temperature correction must be made in the
design of the anoxic zone.
CAPABILITIES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

 The BNR systems are capable of removing significant amounts of

total phosphorus, total nitrogen, BOD5, and TSS.
 The degree of removal depends on the characteristics of
wastewater, operating temperature, and many design and
operational features of the facility.
 Under optimum conditions the BNR system with multiple zone is
capable of producing effluent with total BOD5, TSS, phosphorus,
and ammonia concentrations below 5, 0.5, and 0.1 mg/L,
respectively.
 However, effluent from the BNR process will typically contain a
soluble organic nitrogen concentration of 0.5-1.0 mg/L and an
NO3ˉ -N concentration in the range of 5-8 mg/L. Further removal
of organic nitrogen would require activated carbon treatment or
other suitable methods.
CAPABILITIES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

Several propriety BNR systems are currently available that achieve

biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Many of these systems
have been tested on full scale, and a considerable amount of
design and operational information is available.

The most common processes for combined nitrogen and

phosphorus removal are as follows:
 PROCESSES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

Bardenpho Process.
The propriety Bardenpho process for nitrogen removal was modified
(called Phoredox modification) for combined nitrogen and
phosphorus removal. The process has five stages of anaerobic,
anoxic, and aerobic zones with sludge and internal recycling.
 PROCESSES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

UCT Process.
The modified University of Cape Town (UCT) process for nitrogen and
phosphorus removal uses anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic reactor
sequence. Both the return activated sludge and the aeration tank
contents are recycled to the anoxic zone, and the contents of the
anoxic zone are then recycled to the anaerobic zone.
CAPABILITIES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR).

Enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus removal can be achieved in a
sequencing batch reactor. Phosphorus release and some BOD
uptake takes place during fill and anaerobic stir operation.
Phosphorus uptake, BOD oxidation, and nitrification occurs under
the aerobic cycle. Denitrification is achieved during anoxic stir and
settling cycles.
PROCESSES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL
PhoStrip Process.
The proprietary PhoStrip Process has a stripping tank in which a
portion of the return sludge is diverted. The return sludge may be
elutriated with primary effluent to give the necessary
carbanaceous source for phosphorus release. Under anaerobic
condition nitrogen is removed by denitrification, and phosphorus is
released into the liquid. The biological solids are separated and
returned to the process. The phosphorus rich supernatant is
coagulated to precipitate phosphorus.
 PROCESSES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

Orbal Process.
The Orbal process typically
consists of three concentric
channels operating in series
where the outside channel is
maintained in an oxygen deficit
condition, but a sizeable amount
of oxygen is delivered, allowing
simultaneous nitrification-
denitrification. Orbals are
designed for 80 percent total
nitrogen removal; higher removal
rates (96 percent and more) are
accomplished by recycling MLSS
from the third channel back to
the first. For biological
phosphorus removal, a strong
oxygen deficit condition is
maintained in the first channel,
and a minor deficit condition is
kept in the second channel.
 Process Design Parameters for Biological Nutrient Removal Systems
Process
Design
Unit Anoxic/
Parameters Modified
A2/O UCT VIP SBR PhoStrip Orbal Anaerobic/
Bardenpho
Aerobic

kg
F/M ratio BOD5/kg 0.1 – 0.2 0.15 – 0.25 0.1 – 0.2 0.1 – 0.2 0.1 – 0.2 0.1 – 0.5 0.1-0.2 0.1 – 0.2
MLVSS·d

SRT d 10 – 40 4 – 27 10 – 30 5 – 10 - 0.3 – 0.8 8 – 20 10 – 15

MLSS mg/L 2000-5000 2000-4000 2000-5000 1500-3000 600-5000 2000-4000 2000-6000 3000-4000

HRT
h
1–2 0.5 – 1.5 1–2 1–2 0.0 – 3.0 8 – 12 3–6 0.7 – 1.2
Anaerobic
2–4 0.5 – 1.0 2–4 1–2 0.0 – 1.6 --- 4–8 1.0 – 3.0
Anoxic
4 – 12 3.5 – 6.0 4 – 12 2.5 – 4 0.5 – 1.0 4 – 10 6 – 12 4.0 – 6.0
Aerobic
2–4 --- 2–4 0.0 – 0.3 --- ---
Anoxic
0.5 – 1.0 --- --- 0.0 – 0.3 --- ---
Aerobic
--- --- 1.5 – 2.0 --- ---
Settle/
Decant

Total 9.5 – 23.0 4.5 – 8.5 9 – 22 4.5 – 8 4.0 – 9.0 12 – 22.0 13 – 26 5.7 – 10.2

RAS Qr % of Qo 80 – 100 20 – 50 80 – 100 50 – 100 --- 20 – 50 75 – 100 20 – 50

Internal
% of Qo 400 – 600 100 – 300 100 – 600 200 – 400 --- --- 0 – 400 0
recycle

Aerobic
% Qo 50 – 100 --- --- --- --- ---
recycle

Effluent TP mg/L <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <0.5 <5 <2

Effluent TN mg/L <6 <6 <6 <6 <6 <8 <5 <8
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

1. Determine the influent waste characteristics reaching the BNR

facility. A material mass balance analysis is required to develop
such information. Give special consideration to mass balance
since phosphorus may be released in the sludge processing
areas and side streams may cause excessive build-up of
phosphorus in the system.
2. Determine the ratio of BOD:N:P.
3. Determine the overall reactor’s size, which include (a) anaerobic
zone, (b) one or more anoxic zones, and © one or more aerobic
(oxic) zones.
4. As a rule of thumb, the anaerobic zone will utilize approximately
10 – 20 percent of the total volume depending on the BOD:N:P
ratio.
5. A larger proportion would be needed if a fermentation step is
necessary in the anaerobic zone. The total anoxic will occupy 10
– 30 percent of the total volume. The proportion of anoxic zone
will be dependent upon the recycle ration and the extent of
denitrification desired for total nitrogen removal. The remaining
volume in the aerobic zone will achieve stabilization of leftover
carbonaceous BOD and nitrification.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL

6. The aeration device and basin geometry are important to maintain

required DO in the aeration basin. Over aeration may result in the
carryover of DO in anaerobic and anoxic basins. The aeration devices
commonly used are diffused air systems and mechanical aeration. The
diffuse air system provides greater flexibility in meeting the varying
demands of oxygen. The power source aeration uses different types of
rotors and is commonly used in oxidation ditches. The system may be
inflexible in meeting the oxygen demand in the entire length of the
basin.

7. It is important to provide sufficient free fall and no obstruction

between different stages and zones to ensure passage of biological
foam and scum downstream. Trapping of foam creates serious
operational problems.
NUTRIENT REMOVAL
PROJECTS
 NUTRIENT REMOVAL PROJECTS
Feasibility Study on Sewerage System Improvement in H

Project Title The Study on Sewerage System Improvement in Yokohama City

(Three STPs)

Type of Upgrading Client

Feasibility Study on Sewerage System Improvement in Hanyu City, Japan
Environmental Planning Bureau,
Overview of Hanyu STP Adminis

Project Yokohama City

Inflow Primary Sedimentation Tank

Plant 106.4MLD, 55.1MLD, Start Date Oct. 2014 End Date Reactor
Mar. 2015
Capacity 168.7MLD
Overview of Hanyu STP Administration Building of Hanyu STP

USDInflow
88,587 Nutrient Removal Dedicated to the
Primary Sedimentation Tank

Contract Anoxic Oxic

Process
Anoxic Oxic
Amount Reactor
Return Sludge
Proposed Step-Feed Recycled Nitrogen Removal P

Activities Performed by Consultant Proposed Operational Requirement

Study on Sewerage System Improvement in Yokohama C
Final
Sedimentation
for Upgrading
Anoxic Oxic Anoxic Oxic Tank
For Reducing Bulking

 Data collection of present condition on theReturn existing

Sludge
Proposed Step-Feed Recycled Nitrogen Removal Process for Upgrading
Excess Sludge

treatment facilities
Study on Sewerage System Improvement in Yokohama City, Japan
 Identification of the issues of existing sewerage facilities Anoxic Oxic

For Reducing Bulking

Longer A-SRT
Formulation of upgrading plan of Activated Sludge Process
Larger Return Sludge

for the three STPs to handle Total Nitrogen and Total Adjustment depending

Phosphorus
on the Condition

Anoxic Oxic

 Formulation of improvement plan for the existing sewer Larger Return Sludge Longer A-SRT
For Phosphorous Removal

Slight Aeration (Energy Saving)

facilities (including connection plan of the STPs and Adjustment depending
regulation on the Condition
Seibu STP

tank installation plan to equalize incoming wastewater)

For Phosphorous Removal

Slight Aeration (Energy Saving) Anaerobic Oxic

 Evaluation of the possibility for recovery
and recycle Phosphorus generated in the STPs
Shorter A-SRT
Larger Sludge
Withdrawal
 NUTRIENT REMOVAL PROJECTS Oxidation Ditch
Final
Sedimentation

Project Title The Study on Sen-en Regional Sewerage System in Miyagi

Tank

Prefecture Oxidation Ditch

Final
Sedimentation
Tank
Oxidation Ditch

Type of Upgrading Client

Miyagi Prefecture Layout Plan of Agematsu STP

Project Oxidation Ditch

Final

Start Date Jun.In2014 End Date Mar. 2016

Sedimentation

Plant
Tank
Layout Plan of Agematsu STP Out
Oxidation Ditch
222 MLD
Capacity

Contract USD 12,410 In Nutrient Removal Out Dedicated to the

Amount Layout Plan of Agematsu STP Process
Flow Sheet of OD with Flocculant Addition Ov

Study onProposed Upgrading Method (A2O)

Activities Performed by Consultant the Sen-en Regional Sewerage System in Miyag

Anaerobic Anoxic Oxic

In Out Sheet of OD with Flocculant Addition
Flow Overview of Agematsu STP
 Identification of present condition in the target area
 Prediction of future land use, water Study
usage and
on the water
Sen-en Regional Sewerage System in Miyagi Prefecture
quality in the Matsushima Bay Basin
Anaerobic Anoxic Oxic
 Estimation of sewage generation and setting-up of
effluent water quality from STP
Flow Sheet of OD with Flocculant Addition Overview of Agematsu STP

 Analysis on the applicable advanced treatment method

to meet TotalStudy
Nitrogen and Total
on the Sen-en Phosphorus
Regional standards
Sewerage System in Miyagi Prefecture
Aerial View of Sen-en STP

 Cost estimation for theAnaerobic

proposed Anoxic sewerage
Oxic facilities
Proposed Method (A2O)

 Formulation of phased sewerage facilities construction

plan
 NUTRIENT REMOVAL PROJECTS
Project Title The Feasibility Study on Sewerage System Improvement in Hanyu
City

Type of Upgrading Client

Japan Sewage Works Agency
Project

Plant Start Date Sep. 2010 End Date Mar. 2011

16.6 MLD
Capacity

Contract USD 64,220 Nutrient Removal Dedicated to the

Amount Process

Activities Performed by Consultant Proposed Step-Feed Recycled Nitrogen Removal Process for
Upgrading

 Basic data collection and review of the upper plan

 Setting-up of future population and unit sewage generation
 Estimation of pollution load and water quality of BOD, Total
Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus
 Assessment of flow capacity of the existing sewer network Feasibility Study on Sewerage System Improvement in Hanyu City, Japan
Feasibility Study on Sewerage System Improvement in Hanyu City, Japan
 Evaluation of treatment method to handle Total Nitrogen
and Total Phosphorus
 Formulation of conceptional plan of STP
 NUTRIENT REMOVAL PROJECTS
Project Title The Study on Drainage and Sewerage Improvement Project in
Phnom Penh Metropolitan Area, Cambodia

Type of New Client Japan International Cooperation

Project Agency (JICA)

Plant Start Date Aug. 2014 End Date Dec. 2016

282 MLD
Capacity

Contract USD 1,401,100 Nutrient Removal Dedicated to the

The Study on Drainage and Sewerage Improvement Project in Phnom Penh Metropolitan

Process
Area in Cambodia

Amount

Activities Performed by Consultant

Present Condition of Polluted Water

 Estimation of the Wastewater Generation and Pollution Load Generation

 Preparation of sewer network plan (interceptor (34.1 km) and pumping
stations)
 Comparative analysis of the sewage treatment plants
Alternative study on the wastewater treatment methods (PTF, SBR and CAS),
including analysis of applicability as well as possibility of upgrading for
removal of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus with proposed capacity of
282 MLD Aerial View of Proposed STP Site

 Study on the reuse of treated wastewater and sludge

 Study on management of sludge
 Study on the improvement of the septage management
 NUTRIENT REMOVAL PROJECTS
Project Title Consultancy Services for the Construction Management of
Consultancy Services for the Construction Management of Proposed Valenzuela Sewage
Treatment Plant and Interceptor System

proposed Valenzuela Sewage Treatment Plant and Interceptor

System

Type of New/Upgrading Client

Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
Project
Plant Start Date Feb. 2015 End Date Aug. 2020
60 MLD
Capacity
Contract USD 1,287,420 Nutrient Removal Dedicated to the
Amount Process Perspective of STP

Activities Performed by Consultant

 Review of the basic and detailed design of the sewage treatment

plant Overview

 Provide appropriate, practical, and sound Construction Management

and Construction Supervision strategies and protocols
 Propose upgrading methodology of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR)
with cost estimation, and technical review/assistance in Contractor’s
BNR design and methodology.
 Implementation of Environmental, Safety and Traffic Management
Plan
 Transfer relevant skills and technologies to personnel concerned
Estimation of the Wastewater Generation and Pollution Load
Generation
Progress of Construction
Typical Upgraded Treatment
Flowsheet With NUTRIENT
REMOVAL
Typical Upgraded Treatment Flowsheet With NUTRIENT REMOVAL
Typical Upgraded Treatment Flowsheet With NUTRIENT REMOVAL
Typical Upgraded Treatment Flowsheet With NUTRIENT REMOVAL
Typical Upgraded Treatment Flowsheet With NUTRIENT REMOVAL
 Thank you for Listening

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Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
to All