INFLUENCE OF PHOSPHORUS PRECIPITANTS ON ACTIVATED-SLUDGE ACTIVITY

The application of phosphorus precipitants directly in aerated tanks r esults in enhanced removal of organic impurities and improvement of ac tivated sludge settling properties and it influences activated sludge microorganisms activity. The methods for evaluating the effects of fer rous, ferric and aluminium salts on heterotrophic microorganism activi ty have been studied in lab-scale bioreactors. Maximum specific substr ate rate values related to volatile suspended solids or total organic carbon content of activated sludge are recommended to quantify the inf luence of heavy metals on the activated sludge activity in the presenc e of precipitates.