Evaluation of nitrogen removal from domestic wastewaters using an integrated fixed activated sludge system

Compact biofilm treatment systems are widely preferred and used for organic matter and nitrogen removal since they do not require high amounts of energy and experienced labor. Because of these reasons, they have become a good alternative for suspended treatment systems. In this study, theoretical and analytical knowledge are introduced to assess and evaluate if the compact biofilm systems can be designed to use in the area of nitrogen removal. This evaluation is made by using a real compact biofilm system in a regularly operated wastewater pretreatment plant. In the first part of this thesis, description and significance of this study is clearly indicated with the purpose and scope. Along with these, the importance of nitrogen removal is explained with the evaluation of the usage of compact biofilm systems for nitrogen removal. In the second part, the most common biofilm types used all around the world are briefly described. With respect to our pilot treatment plant, IFAS (Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge System) is introduced in detail. The concept that supports the results of the pilot study is SNdN (Simultaneous Nitrification Denitrification) process. In the third part, this process is briefly explained. Microbiology and conceptual design of this process are defined. Pilot Package Type Biological Treatment Plant is the most essential part and this plant is expressed in the fourth part. Basic characteristics of the package treatment plant and Paşabahçe Treatment Plant are also shared in this part. Standart methods of the ananlysis can also be found in the fourth part of the thesis. The results of all analysis are indicated in the fifth part with separate tables as well as the comments based on this results. Each result is assessed according to the parameters which are significant for this study. In addition to the analyis based on standart methods, the pilot package treatment plant is also evaluated by using a modelling software so called SUMO (Dynamita). The observations with the help of SUMO under different conditions are shared in the sixth (Conclusion) part of the thesis study.