Wastewater Characterization of a Rotating Biological Contractor System

  • Concepcion S. Mendoza Chemistry Department, University of San Carlos, Cebu City
  • Chariz Y. Peñalber Chemistry Department, University of San Carlos, Cebu City
  • Andreas König Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau Region 7, University of San Carlos, Mandaue City
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26534/kimika.v22i2.53-63
Keywords: Rotating Biological Contractor, wastewater, (Lilo-an, Cebu) Philippines

Abstract

A rotating biological contractor (RBC) system is being utilized in a pilot project for a wastewater treatment facility (WTF) in Lilo-an, Cebu, Philippines. An RBC is a remediation technology used in the secondary treatment of wastewater, where the wastewater is allowed to come in contact with a biological medium in order to facilitate the carbonaceous and/or nitrogenous oxygen demand reductions, and even ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) removal from domestic sewage. An evaluation of the performance of the WTF at its early stage of operation and characterization of influent and effluent waters were done to assess the efficiency of the treatment facility in removing contaminants in terms of pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) dissolved oxygen (DO) and coliforms, which contribute largely to water pollution. The effluent (in terms of pH, BOD, COD, and coliform count) of the Lilo-an WTF meets the Philippine effluent standards for Class SC Coastal Waters. Overall BOD removal efficiency of 59.3% for the RBC and 69.9% for the entire WTF were obtained. No nitrification was observed during the treatment; however, a minimal removal of 3.35% ammonia was observed. An average of 18.16% phosphate removal was obtained, which is within the expected phosphate removal range. Bacteriological count showed a significant improvement of over 99% for total coliform and 98% fecal coliform removal. Very low DO levels occur in the different stages of the WTF process.
Published
2006-11-01
How to Cite
Mendoza, C. S., Peñalber, C. Y., & König, A. (2006). Wastewater Characterization of a Rotating Biological Contractor System. KIMIKA, 22(2), 53-63. https://doi.org/10.26534/kimika.v22i2.53-63
Issue
Vol. 22 No. 2 (2006)
Section
Research Articles

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