Nutrient Removal: On-Line Measurements and Control Strategies

Abstract

New control strategy principles with respect to nitrogen and phosphorus removal in activated sludge plants are described. The principles include control of phase length and oxygen set point based on criteria functions and continuous on-line measurements of ammonium, nitrate, phosphate and pH. Five case studies are stated which describe improvements in biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal and in chemical phosphorus removal at activated sludge plants ranging from 5000 to 220000 population equivalents (0.25 to 11 MGD). The improvements due to the new strategies are basically a reduction of nutrients in the effluent and a reduction in the amount of chemicals and electricity consumed.