Effects of contact/stabilization time ratio on organic carbon-methane conversion in high-rate contact stabilization system

Abstract

The high-rate contact stabilization (HRCS) process is a promising technique for recovering carbon from wastewater. However, its practical application faces challenges due to its low chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, which requires further optimization. The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal process conditions for enhancing COD removal efficiency and carbon recovery rate (CRR) in the HRCS process. To achieve this, a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was utilized to maximize the feast-famine regime. Although the HRCS process exhibited a lower COD removal efficiency compared to the high-rate activated sludge (HRAS) process in SBR mode, it demonstrated a 16.3 % higher CRR. The influence of the contact time to stabilization time (tc/ts ratio) on both COD removal efficiency and CRR was investigated. The optimum condition was achieved at a tc/ts ratio of 0.18, which resulted in a COD removal efficiency of 60.2 +/- 3.0 % and a CRR of 0.417 +/- 0.041 g-CODCH4/g-CODinf (CODCH4: produced methane as COD, CODinf: influent COD). The microbial communities in HRAS and HRCS exhibited simplification compared to conventional activated sludge. Distinct shifts were observed in response to changes in solids retention time and tc/ts ratio. Under harsher operating conditions, Lactococcus spp. became the predominant species, achieving the greatest dominance at a tc/ts ratio of 0.18. This is because they produce more extracellular polymeric substances and polyhydroxyalkanoates, which improve organic capture. The operating conditions identified in this study are anticipated to make a significant contribution to practical applications aimed at enhancing carbon recovery.