Nitrogen elimination by rapid alternation of aerobic/“anoxic” conditions in “orbal” activated sludge plants

Methods of operation for obtaining maximum nitrogen elimination in the “Orbal” endless channel extended aeration plant are compared. The most efficient method required balancing of sludge concentration, organic load and oxygen input against one another in such a way that a rapid alternation of aerobic/anoxic conditions was brought about between aeration points in each channel. This resulted in minimal amounts of ammonia and nitrate remaining in the effluent. Automated control of oxygen input and of sludge concentration is considered necessary for consistent maximum nitrogen removal.