| This research examines the influence of operating parameters on the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) from the effluent of the Clark County Sanitation District (CCSD) wastewater treatment plant. Several parameters that influence EBPR were investigated, including wastewater composition: (e.g. BOD, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, Total P, Ortho-P, alkalinity, pH), dissolved oxygen levels, oxidation reduction potential, microbiology, volatile fatty acid concentrations, fraction of P in wasted sludge, and nitrification levels. Analysis of nitrate and effluent phosphorus levels indicated a strong correlation between the two parameters. Very strong denitrification, evidenced by very low nitrate levels, produced nitrogen gas that lifted microbes into the clarifier effluent. Weak denitrification allowed for the release of Ortho-P from the microbes into the clarifier effluent. Moderate amounts of denitrification stalled phosphorus release and did not lift microbes into the effluent. |
