In the field of sewage treatment, the traditional activated sludge system has always occupied a dominant position. However, with the advancement of technology and the increase in environmental protection needs, a new technology called aerobic granular sludge has gradually attracted attention. . This technology not only has superior sedimentation properties, but also can effectively remove nutrients from sewage, showing unprecedented potential.
The emergence of aerobic granular sludge has given us a new understanding of traditional sewage treatment methods. Will it replace the traditional activated sludge system and become the mainstream sewage treatment solution in the future?
Aerobic granular sludge is different from traditional sludge in that it has good settleability and can self-aggregate to form a round and solid structure. This granular sludge is mainly obtained by cultivating it in a sequential batch reactor (SBR). The process does not require the use of carrier materials and can promote the formation of aerobic particles. The formation of particles relies on the progress of "rich-starvation" cycles, that is, short-term feeding scenarios to improve microbial selectivity.
Aerobic granular sludge technology has multiple advantages, including efficient settling, excellent biomass retention, and the ability to simultaneously remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. In addition, because this technology can effectively cope with high salinity and other harsh environments, it is particularly suitable for the treatment of high-intensity industrial wastewater.
Multiple studies have shown that the efficiency of using aerobic granular sludge technology to treat high-intensity wastewater can reach more than 80%. This achievement undoubtedly points the way for the future of sewage treatment technology.
Since 2005, Royal HaskoningDHV has successfully implemented more than 100 aerobic granular sludge systems around the world, including many application cases in industrial and municipal sewage treatment. For example, the Epe wastewater treatment plant in the Netherlands is the first full-scale aerobic particle technology facility to be put into operation. These projects demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of aerobic granular sludge in practical applications.
With the increasing requirements for environmental protection and the continuous innovation of technology in the sewage treatment industry, the research and application of aerobic granular sludge is continuing to deepen. This technology not only solves some of the problems of traditional methods, such as large floor space and high energy consumption, but also improves the possibility of resource recovery. Multi-party R&D plans are being advanced to accelerate the popularization and upgrading of this technology.
"How will sewage treatment technology evolve in the future? Will aerobic granular sludge continue to lead the trend?"
The rise of aerobic granular sludge technology has undoubtedly injected new vitality into the sewage treatment industry, especially in the treatment of high-strength and highly toxic wastewater. In the face of changing environmental challenges, this technology has shown great potential and necessity. In the future, we may witness a more complete revolution in sewage treatment, which may even change the operating model of the entire industry. So, in this technological revolution, can we seize the opportunity and lead the trend of the future?