Tratamento de esgoto sanitário utilizando reator anaeróbico-aeróbico de leito fixo

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance of a bench reactor that combines anaerobic and aerobic processes in sewage treatment performed continuously. This type of reactor seeks to harness their positive aspects minimizing their drawbacks, and enable lower operating costs, lower sludge generation and removal of nutrients, particularly, high retention of microorganisms. Thus, we used an upflow fixed bed reactor operated continuously with loofah of cucurbit as support to immobilization. In a first step, the anaerobic reactor operated with three hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8, 6 and 4 hours, with organic matter removal greater than 80% and COD values effluent below 150 mg/L. In a second step, air was inserted at the top of the reactor. Thus, the system was operated as upflow anaerobic-aerobic fixed bed reactor. The combined system operated at HRT 8 hours with efficiency exceeding 90% and COD effluent below 80 mg/L. The reactor presented operational stability and significant removal of suspended solids and organic matter.