CHARACTERIZATION OF WASTE-WATER AND ACTIVATED-SLUDGE FROM EUROPEAN MUNICIPAL WASTE-WATER TREATMENT PLANTS USING THE NUR TEST

Denitrification kinetics and wastewater characterization of eight diff erent plants in Europe are discussed. Denitrification batch tests reve aled three distinct rates except in the cases of Plaisir, Restock and Orense where 4 rates were observed. The latter three plants revealed a typical rapid initial rates which were between 7 and 21 mgN/gVSS.h. Al l denitrification kinetics under non-limiting carbon conditions reveal ed fast first rates which ranged between 3.0 and 7.3 mgN/gVSS.h. Aceta te was used to simulate denitrification kinetics with readily biodegra dable COD present. Two subsequent rates were observed. Rates 2 and 3 r anged between 2 and 3 mgN/gVSS.h, and 1 and 2 mgN/gVSS.h, respectively . The RBCOD fraction varied between 10 and 19%, except for one of the plants where the value determined was 7%. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved