Processes in Biological Phosphorus Removal

Long term observation of plant operations indicated that published biological models of phosphorus accumulating bacteria were useful as general models describing the biomass behaviour in the activated sludge biological phosphorus removal process. A series of batch and plant trials were carried out to elucidate the processes which take place anaerobically, anoxically and aerobically to evaluate the use of the models and to indicate if they were suitable as operational and staff training tools. Results from selected trials are described in detail and the relevance of the models to plant operations outlined.