Anaerobic-aerobic granular system for high-strength wastewater treatment in lagoons

This study aimed at determining the treatability of high-strength wastewater (chemical oxygen demand, COD>4000 mg/L) using combined anaerobic-aerobic granular sludge in lagoon systems. The lagoon systems were simulated in laboratory-scale aerated and non-aerated batch processes inoculated with dried granular microorganisms at a dose of 0.4 g/L. In the anaerobic batch, a removal efficiency of 25% was not attained until the 12th day. It took 14 days of aerobic operation to achieve sCOD removal efficiency of 94% at COD:N:P of 100:4:1. The best removal efficiency of sCOD (96%) was achieved in the sequential anaerobic-aerobic batch of 12 days and 2 days, respectively at COD:N:P ratio of 200:4:1. Sequential anaerobic-aerobic treatment can achieve efficient and cost effective treatment for high-strength wastewater in lagoon systems.