Selecting proper system for biological treatment

On a recent discussion group, someone asked about biological treatment of starch contaminated wastes. Instantly the vendors lined up to sell  their technologies including additives, equipment, and various treatment systems. Only in a few cases people actually asked key questions that need to be considered before selecting a treatment system. Always start with the following questions:

• Organic make up of waste:  In this case it was starch

• Concentration (BOD/COD) If COD >1500 mg/L - investigate anaerobic treatment, with COD < 1300 mg/L often aerobic is easier to stabilize and maintain.
• Other major influent parameters - pH, temp, nitrogen, phosphorus, alkalinity
• Are their any inhibitory, resistant, or toxic compounds?
• Treatment objectives & permit limits

Only once you have a full characterization of the influent wastes, can you begin to select the proper biological treatment process. The key point being - you fit the treatment system to the waste stream and treatment objectives.

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