Optimization nutrient removal at different volume ratio of anoxic-to-aerobic zone in integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) system.

Abstract This study evaluated the influence of different volume ratios of the anoxic-to-aerobic zone (Vano/Vaer) on the enhancement of nitrogen and phosphorus removal in an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) system. As the Vano/Vaer increased from 1:2 to 2:1, the removal of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients of the IFAS system was improved. At Vano/Vaer = 1:1, the removal effect of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients was optimal, and the average removal rates of COD, NH4+-N, TN, and TP of the system reached 90 ± 3.2%, 98.2 ± 1.4%, 88.9 ± 2.2%, and 89.1 ± 2.7%, respectively. As the volume of the anoxic zone continued to increase, the denitrifying phosphate-accumulating capacity of the system was enhanced, and the highest ratio of specific anoxic and aerobic phosphorus uptake rate could reach 65.3%. Analysis of the molecular evaluation showed that, the proportion of nitrifying bacteria in the biofilm gradually increased as Vano increased. Moreover, denitrifying phosphate-accumulating organisms (DNPAOs), ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), and anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (Anammox) bacteria were all enriched all showed enrichment in the biofilm of fiber carriers, which further strengthened the system's synergistic removal of nitrogen and phosphorus.