Two-phase anaerobic technology for domestic wastewater treatment at ambient temperature

Anaerobic process phase separation was implemented in the present investiga tion, using two kinds of suspended anaerobic biomass - floccules and granul es, respectively. Both phases of the process were proved to follow the clas sic Monod kinetics, the reported parameters of which indicate extremely hig h activity of the anaerobic biomass. This was achieved by providing appropr iate hydrodynamic conditions in the bioreactors and creation of granulated (pelletized) biomass in the second one. The reasons and circumstances leadi ng to these results are discussed, as well as the appropriate bioreactor co nstruction schemes and the possibilities for implementation of the reported technology in practice and in coastal areas in particular. (C) 1999 Publis hed by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the IAWQ. All rights reserved.