Pilot Scale Aerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor for Pig Waste Treatment

A n existing aetated lagoon treating piggery waste was converted into an aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR). After the commissioning period, the SBR plant treated piggery wastewater containing BOD and suspended solids (SS) concentrations of 2881 mg/l and 1419 mg/1 respectively, producing an effluent having an average BOD and SS of 18.7 mg/1 and 12.3 mg/1 respectively. The volumetric loadings on the SBR and the process were similar. However, the SBR process operated at a lower mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration and shorter sludge retention period. Although the capital and operating costs of the SBR are higher than for the aerated lagoon, the simplicity of operation, the high BOD and SS removal efficiency, and the small land requirement make this type of process an attractive treatment option, particularly in places where land supply is limited and expensive.