Solids retention time (SRT) control in the co-treatment of leachate with domestic sewage in aerobic granular sludge systems: Impacts on system performance, operational stability, and bioresource production

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Frutuoso, FKA (Author) Other; da Silva, VEPSG (Author) Other; Tânia Silva (Author) FEUP; Vitor Vilar (Author) FEUP; dos Santos, AB (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Bioresource Technology

Vol. 415

ISSN: 0960-8524

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Associated Projects

LA LSRE-LCM - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 para a Unidade LA LSRE-LCM Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção - Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-835

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131664

Abstract (EN): This study investigates the co-treatment of leachate and domestic sewage in municipal wastewater treatment plants using aerobic granular sludge (AGS) systems, focusing on granule formation, system stability, and resource production in two units (R1 and R2). In R2, solids retention time (SRT) was controlled between 10 and 25 days, while R1 maintained approximately 9 days. The results show that low leachate proportions (5 %) did not affect system performance or stability. However, increasing the leachate to 10 % reduced the structural stability of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to a significant decrease in alginate-like exopolysaccharides (ALE) production in R1 (216 mgALE/gVSS) and R2 (125 mgALE/gVSS). Principal component analysis revealed that SRT was crucial for optimizing biopolymer synthesis. Furthermore, SRT control in R2 improved filamentous control, biomass retention, and total nitrogen removal. Thus, selective biomass discharge is essential for maintaining granule stability, enhancing treatment efficiency, and supporting resource production.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14