UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE,UJJAIN

“REDUCTION OF PHOSPHATE FROM INDUSTRIAL

CUM MUNICIPAL WASTE WATER USING MBBR
TECHNOLOGY”

Guided by- Presented by-

Dr. Sarita Sharma Mr. Shadan Mohammad Sheikh
Project Guide M.Tech Scholar
Department of Chemical Department of Chemical
Engineering Engineering
 Objective of Thesis

• To reduce the concentration of phosphate from Industrial

cum municipal waste water using MBBR technology.
• To find out the best bio- carrier which is suitable for
phosphate removal from waste water.
• Find out that either aerobic or anaerobic operating condition
is best suitable operating condition.
• To study the bacterial growth in waste water sample.
• To analyse the effect of pH on removal efficiency of MBBR.
 Contents

1. Introduction

2. Literature Review

3. Material and Methods

4. Results and Discussion

5. Conclusion and Future Scope

6. References
 Introduction

• Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants, animals and

humans. It is one of the 20 most abundant elements in the solar
system, and the 11th most abundant in the earth‘s crust.

• Excessive loading of phosphorus into many freshwater systems

cause water pollution by promoting excessive algae growth
which is harmful for health.

• In water bodies having total phosphorus concentrations less

than 10 parts per billion (ppb) will not support algae growth but
phosphorus levels of 100 or more ppb categorize lakes as highly
eutrophic.
Why higher concentration of Phosporous is
dangerous to human health
• A high level of phosphates in the blood is called hyper
phosphatemia.

• These symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle

weakness. People with high phosphorus levels can also
experience itching and red eyes.

• Symptoms of more severe cases of high phosphorus may

include severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Different types of reactors used for waste water treatment

• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

• Wastewater Treatment Bio filters

• Trickling Filters

• Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

• Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

The Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is a highly effective biological

treatment process that was developed on the basis of conventional
activated sludge process and bio-filter process. It is a completely mixed
and continuously operated Biofilm reactor, where the biomass is grown on
small carrier elements that have a little lighter density than water and are
kept in movement along with a water stream inside the reactor. The
movement inside a reactor can be caused by aeration in an aerobic reactor
and by a mechanical stirrer in an anaerobic or anoxic reactor
Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

Fig: 1 Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor

Advantages of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor

• Good pollutant removal performance

• Being suitable for a wide range of effluent sources and types

• Ease of management – good stability and no sequencing

• Can be retrofitted relatively easily into existing tanks to extend

asset life and performance
Advantages of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor
• Requiring a smaller tank volume compared to AS systems for
the same treatment flow rate

• Higher effluent treatment flow rates compared to similar

capacity AS plants

• Lower capital cost compared to an AS plant with similar

performance characteristics

• Complete solids removal

Advantages of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor

• Low head loss

• No filter channeling

• No need of periodic backwashing

• Reduced sludge production

 Literature Review
Sr. Objective of Research Materials Results References
No. and
methods
used
1 Removal of nine micro pollutants (i.e. MBBR Phosphorus removal Torresi Elena et al.
pharmaceuticals and corrosion was driven by simultaneous (2019)
inhibitors) by using Moving Bed Biofilm degradation of PHB and PHV
Reactors (MBBRs), selecting fractions during the first 4–6 h of
phosphorus (PAO) or glycogen (GAO) batch experiment. but
accumulating organisms under different biodegradation of PHV occurred
redox conditions. over the whole duration of the
experiment, simultaneously to the
removal of the targeted
micropollutants and nitrate
2 Recovery of phosphate from municipal Multiple methods Chemical phosphate recovery can Yuanyao Ye et al.
wastewater be integrated with biological (2017)
system (e.g. EBPR system),
membrane technology or their
combination to maximize the
economic feasibility.
3 Removal of pollutants from aqueous MgO-biochar The MgO-biochar was comprised Ronghua Li et al.
systems using metal oxide-biochar of nano-sized MgO flakes and (2017)
composites nanotube-like porous carbon. Mg
content had significant effects on
the development of the nanotube-
like porous carbon structure in
MgO impregnated biochar and its
adsorption capacity for phosphate,
ammonium and humate.
 Literature Review
4 To investigate the technical MBBR It was concluded that Singh Anju et al. (2017)
performance of ten full-scale MBBR can be a good
MBBR systems located across alternative for upgrading
India. and optimizing existing
municipal wastewater
treatment plants with
appropriate tertiary
treatment.

5 To compare nano-alumina (NA) nano-alumina (NA) The removal potential of Suman Mor et al. (2016)
and activated charcoal (AC) as and activated charcoal nano-alumina is more as
adsorbents to remove phosphate (AC) compared to the activated
from aqueous wastewater. charcoal

6 To study the effect of size and type No effect on removal Nguyen et al. (2016)
of sponge Bio-carriers on the efficiency of reactor with
removal of micronutrients and respect to variation in filling
other organic components from fractions
wastewater under aerobic
conditions.

7 To develop advanced nano nano composite Result showed that 90% Asya Drenkova-Tuhtan
composite magnetic particles and magnetic particles total P-recovery efficiency et al (2016)
test for removal of phosphate from is reached.
secondary wastewater effulent.
 Literature Review
8 To investigate the effect(s) of hydro-distillation The maximum amount Amine Balti et al.,
ultrasonic pre-treatment on the method of essential oils was (2018)
extraction of essential oils from obtained under
dried leaves of lemongrass optimized conditions
(Cymbopogon flexuosus) by (≈3.093 g/100g d.m.).
hydro-distillation. The major component
of the extracted
essential oils is citral,
which represents 85%
of the extracted mass
and it is present in both
cis-isomer (neral) and
transisomer (geranial)
(respectively at 38.89%
and 45.86%).
9 To evaluate the application of an MBBR Two stage MBBR Andreottola et al. (2015)
MBBR system for the upgrading system was able to
of an overloaded municipal handle a 60% increase in
wastewater treatment plant flow rate with good
(MWWTP). performance.

10 To upgarde existing technologies Multiple methods MBBR process is ideal Brinkley, Johnson &
to cater for increased effluent for expanding or Souza (2015)
flows on space upgrading existing
treatment plants that
have space constraints.
 Literature Review
11 To study the application of
biofilm as an alternative
technology for the treatment of
wastewater
12 To check that the moving bed
Biofilm process may be used as an
ideal and efficient option for the
total nutrient removal from
municipal wastewater.
13 Removal of phosphate from
synthetic solutions and real
wastewater using Electric arc
furnace steel slags (EAF-slags) and
basic oxygen furnace steel slags
(BOF-slags)
14 To find out the advantages of
MBBR over other techniques
15 To compare conventional AS
treatment system and a MBBR
treatment system
Biofilm technology It requires less volume and Shahot Khaled et al.
reduces the dependence on (2014)
biomass separation
MBBR MBBR with polyethylene Borkar R.P et al. (2013)
media as Biofilm carrier may
possess great potential to be
used for OMs removal from
water and wastewater.
Furnace slag Ca2þ content of wastewater Cristian Barca et al.
represented a further source (2012)
of Ca2þ ions that were
available for hydroxyapatite
precipitation, thus leading to
an increase in phosphate
removal efficiencies.
MBBR MBBR have specially Yang Qiqi et al. (2012)
designed biofilm carriers to
maximize performance.
Activated sludge The MBBR system was able Di Trapani et al. (2012)
method and MBBR to treat twice as much waste
water as the AS system
 Literature Review
16 To check the performance of MBBR MBBR systems can be used for McQuarrie & Boltz
MBBR a wide range of wastewater (2012)
treatment applications, and that
they offer a range of benefits,
including similar treatment
performance as systems, and
being a continuous flow process
that does not require a special
operational cycle.

17 To study the biological phosphorus Biological Process Biological treatment is a good Krishnaswamy et al.
removal process alternation to conventional (2011)
methods

18 To stdy about different types of Furnace slag The results show that there are Levstek and Plazl
bio-carriers for finding out the best difficulties in comparing the (2009)
one. performance of the two different
carriers due to difference in filling
fractions and reactor capacities.

19 To remove phosphate from Absorbent method Result showed that all activated Weiwei Huang et al
aqueous solution using red mud (as red mud samples show higher (2008)
an effective absorbent) a waste surface area and total pore
residue of alumina refinery volume as well as higher
adsorption capacity for phosphate
removal.
20 To study abot the polonites and Filter material Result showed that these Jon Petter Gustafsson et
Filtra P as filter materials for the method materials were able to accumulate al. (2007)
removal of PO4-P from between 1.9 and 19 g kg1 PO4-P,
households. maintaining a PO4-P removal
efficiency of 49.5%.
 Materials and Method
Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR) Setup

Material of construction (MOC)

• Prototype – PVC

• Model - Pyrex glass cylindrical vessel

 Materials and Method
Bio-carriers

Table 1 Specifications of Bio-carriers (polymeric foam pad)

Specifications Measurements

Dimensions 3cm×3cm×3cm

Density 28 kg/m3

Specific surface area 0.846 m2/g

Colour Light pink

Shape Cuboidal
 Materials and Method
Bio-carriers

Fig: 2 Bio carriers

 Materials and Method
Dimensions of Bio-carrier

Fig: 3 Dimensional diagrams of a Bio – Carrier

Phosphate determination in waste water using a
calibration curve method

• Phosphate determination in waste water using a calibration

curve method

EPA permissible limit 0.05 mg/l (ppm)(as phosphorus ) in a

stream at a point where it enters a lake or reservoir and should
not exceed 0.1 mg/l (ppm)in streams that do not discharge
directly into lakes or reservoirs.
Phosphate determination in waste water using a
calibration curve method

Reagent used

• Ammonium Molybdate Reagent

• Stannous chloride Reagent

• EDTA (0.001M)

Cookbook value: 0.5 μg of phosphate solution gives an absorbance of

0.39 ± 0.02
Analysis of Dissolved oxygen by Wrinkler’s Idometric
method

Reagent used

• Sodium thiosulphate 0.025 N

• Alkaline Potassium Iodide Solution

• Manganous Sulphate solution

• Starch Solution

• Sulphuric acid
 Results and Discussion
Table 2 Result analysis of prepared sample
Phase Time duration pH HRT
(days) (Hours)
I 0-30 7.4 24 hrs- for 15 days
12 hrs – for next 15 days
II 31-55 7.1 12 hrs

III 56-66 7.2 12 hrs

 Results and Discussion
• Effect of Time on pH
7.45

7.4

7.35

7.3
pH

7.25
pH
7.2

7.15

7.1

7.05
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Operatig Time (in Days)

Fig: 4 Variation in pH with time

It has been observed by us that the pH of the treating water sample is almost remain constant and it
should be maintained about 7.1 ± 0.2. We can also adjust the pH value using Na2CO3 and H2SO4.
 Results and Discussion
• Effect of Temperature on pH
7.11

7.1

7.09
pH

7.08

7.07 pH
7.06

7.05

7.04
0 10 20 30 40 50

Temperature (°C)

Fig: 5 Variation in pH with Temperature

Our reactor has been operated at the temperature range of 20oC to 40oC, from the experimental
data we have observed that the temperature has affected the pH value of the sample. As we
increased the temperature from 20°C to 30°C the pH value has decreased from 7.1 to 7.05 and after
that the value of pH has increased at 40°C it was 7.1.
Analysis of Phosphorous sample
• Analysis of Phosphorous calibration curve of initial sample

0.3

0.25

0.2
Absorbance

0.15

Absorbance
0.1

0.05

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Wavelength (mµ)

Fig 6 Calibration curve of initial sample

Analysis of Phosphorous sample

• Analysis of Phosphorous calibration curve of unknown

sample
0.3

0.25

0.2
Absorbance

0.15

Absorbance
0.1

0.05

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Wavelength (mµ)

Fig 7 Calibration curve of unknown sample

Analysis of Phosphorous sample

• Analysis of Phosphorous calibration curve of prepared sample

0.07

y = 0.0063x + 0.0282
0.06

0.05

0.04
ABS

0.03

0.02

0.01

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Concentration(mg/l)

Fig 8 Calibration curve of prepared sample

Reduction in phosphate concentration

1.4

Reduction of phosphate 1.2

Concentration(mg/l)
1

0.8
Series1
0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 20 40 60 80

Time (in Days)

Fig: 9 Reduction in phosphate concentration

Total reduction in phosphorous concentration = Initial concentration – Final concentration

= 0.543 mg/l – 0.244 mg/l
= 0.299 mg/l
Efficiency curve
60

Phosphate removal
50

efficiency 40

30
Efficiency (%)
20

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Time (Days)

Fig: 10 Efficiency curve

we observed that the initial concentration of phosphorous in waste water sample was 0.543
mg/l on Day 0 and the final concentration is 0.244 mg/l on 66th day. So the total reduction in
phosphorous concentration is 0.299 mg/l.

Phosphorous is reduced by 55.06% within 66 days.

 FTIR of Bio-Carriers

90
80
Transmittance [%]

70
60
50
40
30

3284.71

2115.51

1636.66
3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
Wavenumber cm-1

C:\Suddan\Liquid sample.1 liquid liquid 16-11-2018

Page 1/1

Fig: 11 FTIR Spectrograph of Bio-Carriers

FTIR of Bio-Carriers

• We have performed FTIR, to check the presence of bacterial

growth in our respected bio carriers.

• As per the results we obtained from FTIR analysis it has been

concluded that the there is bacterial growth inside the bio-
carriers which reduces the concentration of phosphate in our
respected solution.
 Bacterial growth curve

Bacterial growth curve

0.45
Concentration(mg/l) 0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25 Biofilm
0.2 growth &
0.15 decline line
0.1
0.05
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Time(hr.)

Fig: 12 Efficiency curve

It has been observed that the bacterial colony developed on the PU based polymeric foam pads
has a time period of 112 hrs, the bacterial growth curve give the evidence how the bacterial
life is changing with respect to time.
 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE
Conclusion
Moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) is a very cost effective and eco-friendly option for
the removal of phosphate from wastewater. Some specific findings of this study can be
drawn as follows:

1. Total Phosphorous is reduced by 55.06% within 66 days in MBBR.

2. The results from the Phosphate removal experiment has indicated that the PU sponge
based bio- carriers is suitable for phosphate removal due to its has high porosity as well
as high specific surface area.

3. The quantity required of sponge Bio-carriers is less with respect to conventional

plastic based Bio-carriers i.e. it is economically feasible.

4. As an effluent we have used mixture of industrial and municipal wastewater, that’s

why we don’t require chemical & bacterial doping.
5. The effect of pH on removal efficiency is not very influential, throughout the
process it has been observed that the pH has been maintained itself in the reactor
setup.

6. High accumulations of biomass in the biofilm process when coupled with good
oxygen transfer capability of the system ensure the high treatment capacity and
operational stability. This can make the MBBR process attractive and promising to
apply for phosphate removal from wastewater.

7. It has been observed that the bacterial colony developed on the PU based polymeric
foam pads has a time period of 112 hours.
Future Scope

Based on the findings obtained in this research, the following recommendations

can be made for the future study:

1. Comparison study using different types of biofilm carriers at different filling

rates to determine the best biofilm carrier type for highest phosphate removal
efficiency.

2. Further study on the investigation using real municipal wastewater to verify

the effectiveness of the MBBR and implement this type of system in practical
field.

3. Further detailed investigation on the MBBR to determine the optimal aeration

rate.
 4. Further investigations can be done on the performance of MBBR to remove
trace organics in wastewater.

5. In future bacterial growth rate study by fitting different types of models like
Monod model, Luong model can be done.

6. In future kinetic study of bacterial growth can be done.

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List of Publications
Sr. No. Title of the Paper Name of Journal Month and Authors
Year
of Publication

1 A Review On Reduction International Research Volume: 06 Shadan

of Phosphate From Journal of Engineering Issue: 03 | Mar Mohammad
Industrial Cum and Technology 2019 Sheikh,
Municipal Wastewater (IRJET) Dr. Sarita Sharma,
Using MBBR Dr. Ashok Sharma,
Technology Dr. Sanjay Verma

2 Reduction of Phosphate International Research Volume: 06 Shadan

From Industrial Cum Journal of Engineering Issue: 06 | June Mohammad
Municipal Waste Water and Technology 2019 Sheikh,
Using MBBR (IRJET) Dr. Sarita Sharma,
Technology Dr. Ashok Sharma,
Dr. Sanjay Verma
Thank You