Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) is well adopted for community wastewater treatment for its simplicity, performance and various advantageous treatment options. SBR is now drawing attention for its process modification such as coupled with membrane bioreactor, reverse osmosis or applying different media to achieve high removal efficiency. This study focused on the improved efficiency of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous removal by applying zeolite materials called bioceramics to the SBR. Two laboratory-scale SBR units were operated in the same operating conditions - one with bioceramics called Bioceramic SBR (BCSBR) and the other without bioceramics used as control. Routine monitoring of COD, TP, NH3-N, NO3-N was performed throughout this study. COD removal was about 80% to 100% and phosphorous removal was about 60% in the process whereas NH3-N removal efficiency was found to be 99.9% in the BCSBR unit. Addition of bioceramics also improved sludge characteristics such as sludge dewaterability, specific gravity and particle size. BCSBR can withstand high ammonia shock loading leading to the better treatment capacity of high ammonia containing wastewater. The cause of improved removal efficiencies within the biological reactor could be attributed to the biochemosorption mechanisms of bioceramics. Absorption/adsorption or desorption capacity of bioceramics was tested through laboratory experiments.
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