Performance of a prototype anaerobic reactor coupled to a rotary biological contactor for domestic wastewater treatment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23854/07199562.2025611.echeverriaKeywords:
wastewater, treatment, Anaerobic Baffled Reactor, Rotating Biological Contactor, EfficiencyAbstract
Decentralized wastewater treatment is increasingly seen as a sustainable option to address the problems caused by untreated or poorly treated wastewater discharges. In our context, it is essential to develop solutions that are not only more efficient in contaminant removal but also in terms of energy and environmental impact. In this regard, compact systems are gaining importance. This study proposes a combined system with a compartmentalized anaerobic reactor (ABR) and a rotating biological contactor (RBC). This combination promises greater efficiency than a conventional RBC system, as the anaerobic pre-treatment significantly reduces the organic load. When operating at optimal load levels, the RBC improves its performance. A major advantage of this study is that it was developed at the prototype level, allowing the flow and organic load conditions to reflect the operational reality of these systems. The results showed that the ABR-RBC system is capable of removing up to 88% of total COD, 81% of dissolved COD, and 88% of TSS. This translates to effluent concentrations of 79 mg/l of total COD, 51 mg/l of dissolved COD, and 16 mg/l of TSS. Additionally, compared to a conventional RBC, efficiency improved by up to 8%.
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