Abstract
Wastewater is treated biologically with activated sludge to remove the nutrients phosphorous and nitrogen. In accomplishing wastewater treatment, selecting for nitritation in the aeration phase can optimize the nutrient removal process to conserve energy and carbon, while enhancing phosphorous and nitrogen removal. This thesis investigated the ability of sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), operated in a unique post-anoxic denitrification mode (process referred to as BIOPHO-PX; trademark under development by Dr. Coats), to remove nutrients while controlling aeration length and residual DO concentration at different solids retention times (SRTs), with the goal to induce and sustain nitritation. Phosphorus removal of 97% and nitrogen removal of 82% were achieved with this process configuration.