Transformation of phosphorus in intermittent aerated biofilter under aerobic continuous feeding with long backwashing intervals

A combined fixed-film system composed of anaerobic biofilter, aerobic biofilter, and intermittent aerated biofilter (IABF) is developed for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) treating domestic wastewater. This work presents details on the performance of IABF under aerobic condition, where phosphorus-accumulating organisms are accumulated. Analysis on distribution of phosphorus in both the bulk and the biofilm indicates that the PAOs-rich biofilm is characterized by a high activity, a strong P capacity, and a good adaptability of fluctuations in aerobic continuous loading. An innovative means for P removal slows down accumulation of P in biofilm. As a result, removal of P-rich biomass is no longer a key limitation of EBPR performance in the biofilm system. Long backwashing interval is practicable in IABF under aerobic continuous feeding regime.