Operation and model description of a sequencing batch reactor treating reject water for biological nitrogen removal via nitrite

The aim of this study was the operation and model description of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for biological nitrogen removal (BNR) from a reject water ) from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The SBR was operated with three cycles per day, temperature 30 °C, SRT 11 days and HRT 1 day. During the operational cycle, three alternating oxic/anoxic periods were performed to avoid alkalinity restrictions. Oxygen supply and working pH range were controlled to achieve the BNR via nitrite, which makes the process more economical. Under steady state conditions, a total nitrogen removal of 0.87 kg N (m3 day)−1 was reached. A four-step nitrogen removal model was developed to describe the process. This model enlarges the IWA activated sludge models for a more detailed description of the nitrogen elimination processes and their inhibitions. A closed intermittent-flow respirometer was set up for the estimation of the most relevant model parameters. Once calibrated, model predictions reproduced experimental data accurately.