Coupling the SHARON process with Anammox: Model-based scenario analysis with focus on operating costs

The combined SHARON-Anammox process for treating wastewater streams with high ammonia concentration is discussed. Partial nitritation in the SHARON reactor should be performed to such an extent that an Anammox-optimal nitrite:ammonium ratio is generated. The SHARON process is typically applied to sludge digestion rejection water in order to relieve the ammonium load recycled to the main plant. A simulation study for realistic influent conditions on a SHARON reactor with a fixed volume and operated with constant air flow rate reveals that the actual nitrite:ammonium ratio might deviate significantly from the ideal ratio and might endanger operation of the subsequent Anammox reactor. It is further examined how the nitrite:ammonium ratio might be optimized. A cascade pH control strategy and a cascade O2 control strategy are tested. Simulation results are presented and the performance of the different strategies is assessed and quantified in an economic way by means of an operating cost index. Best results are obtained by means of cascade feedback control of the SHARON effluent nitrite:ammonium ratio through setting an O2-set-point that is tracked by adjusting the air flow rate.