The subject of the Project is development of two-element technology of use nitric acid (III) to remove scum problem from the biological reactors and excess sludge disintegration. Thanks to biocidal properties of nitric acid (III) selectively affecting filamentous bacteria activity, scum removal is possible. The same properties also allow to break-up bacterial cells and obtain additional source of easily biodegradable organic carbon from excess sludge disintegration. The organic compounds available in this way can be used to support the process of nitrogen removal and/or increasing energy production.
The objectives of the Project will be achieved thanks to:
- Filling existing gaps in the available knowledge about properties of nitric acid (III).
- Gaining practical experience during operation lab-scale and pilot-scale installations
Tasks of the Project include:
- Laboratory tests of scum destruction using nitric acid (III) and its impact on biological treatment processes.
- Technical-scale tests of scum destruction on biological reactors.
- Excess sludge disintegration tests using nitric acid (III) and evaluation of the possibility of use disintegration products for fermentation and/or denitrification purposes.
- Technological and economical assessment of created Technology and development of guidelines for further full-scale dimensioning.
The target group, to which Project results are addressed are water supply companies operating wastewater treatment plants. The problem of scum is present on most of biological wastewater treatment plants with activated sludge Improving the treatment efficiency or energy balance is also an important step for the development of these companies. The success of the Project will allow to achieve these assumptions using a cheap, safe to use and easy to obtain factor, which nitric acid (III) clearly is. Project results will be implemented in Wrocław Sewage Treatment Plant.