Aqua-Aerobic Systems offers a complete line of technologies to remove phosphorus from wastewater.

Discharge limits for phosphorus removal are more stringent than ever and are a constant challenge for wastewater treatment plants. The removal of pollutants required by a facility is stipulated on their NPDES permit issued by each state’s Department of Environmental Protection. A high degree of phosphorus removal can be achieved with a modern secondary treatment process such as an AquaSBR system. Many plants with Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) limits require phosphorus levels to be less than 0.8 mg/l. Many plants within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed need Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR), with phosphorus levels required to be less than 0.3 mg/l.

The AquaSBR sequencing batch reactor is a variation of the activated sludge process in which all phases of treatment are accomplished within a single reactor. It is a “true-batch” system that is proven to be an efficient, reliable means of wastewater treatment capable of producing high-quality effluent concerning BOD, TSS, Turbidity, Total Nitrogen, and Total Phosphorus.

The AquaSBR is a “true-batch” SBR because it does not allow influent wastewater to enter the SBR basin during the final react, settle, and decant phases. “True-batch” ensures that short-circuiting will not occur and the final effluent quality will be excellent.

If lower phosphorus levels are needed, tertiary filtration is required. These lower levels can be achieved with the AquaSBR followed by an AquaDisk cloth media filter. The AquaDisk cloth media filter consists of vertical cylindrical disks covered with pile cloth media. The pile cloth media permits clarified effluent to pass through each disk while solids collect on the surface of the cloth media. Chemical addition with aluminum or iron-based coagulants, followed by the AquaDisk cloth media filter, can reduce total phosphorus concentrations even further.

The AquaSBR combined with the AquaDisk Cloth Media Filter has proven to produce high-quality effluent with very low levels of BOD, TSS, Turbidity, Total Nitrogen, and Total Phosphorus. In addition, the AquaDisk filter requires very low backwash water, reducing treatment costs and energy usage.

When combined, the AquaSBR system and AquaDisk filter offer optimum phosphorus removal with the following significant benefits compared to other treatment methods:

• Small footprint
• Simplified operation with fully automated controls
• Fewer maintenance requirements
• Low lifecycle cost

Existing wastewater plants that operate a secondary treatment process and cannot meet the low phosphorus levels required by their NPDES permit can install an AquaDisk filter into the existing treatment scheme.

When removing phosphorus from wastewater, it’s essential to find a company with extensive experience. Aqua-Aerobic Systems has been providing quality wastewater treatment systems since 1969. They incorporate extensive research and a disciplined engineering approach to offer their customers the best results possible.

Envirep/TLC Environmental is a manufacturer’s representative for Aqua-Aerobic System in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.

By Mike Gillespie, P.E., President

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Envirep is a manufacturer’s representative for manufacturers of equipment used to pump, treat and dispose of wastewater and biosolids. We also represent manufacturers of equipment used to pump, treat, distribute and store drinking (potable) water. Envirep serves the municipal and industrial water and wastewater market in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.