NITRIFICATION OF SYNTHETIC WASTE-WATER IN A CROSS-FLOW MEDIUM TRICKLING FILTER

The nitrification performance of a synthetic wastewater was investigat ed in a cross flow medium trickling filter. The attachment of biomass on packing medium was studied. The reactor was operated continuously f or three different hydraulic loading rates 5, 9 and 13 m(3)/m(2).d und er various influent ammonium concentrations. The maximum specific surf ace nitrification rate was about 1.21 g/m(2).d. There was a good agree ment between actual and predicted alkalinity consumption. The ammonium conversion along the filter depth was also investigated. The external surface of the nitrifying biofilm was captured by scanning electron m icroscope. The results are found to be satisfactory.