SHARON Nitrogen Removal over Nitrite

Index

Preamble 5

1 Introduction 7

2 SHARON Nitrogen Removal over Nitrite 9

3 Full-scale experience with the SHARON process through the eyes of the operators 13

4 Reference list 23

• SHARON Linköping (SE) 27

• SHARON Seine Grésillons (F) 29

• SHARON Geneva (CH) 31

• SHARON Whitlingham STC (UK) 33

• SHARON MVPC Shell Green (UK) 35

• SHARON New York (USA) 37

• SHARON Garmerwolde (NL) 39

• SHARON The Hague (NL) 41

• SHARON Beverwijk (NL) 43

• SHARON Zwolle (NL) 45

• SHARON Rotterdam (NL) 47

• SHARON Utrecht (NL) 49

Contact 51

SHARON | 5
Preamble

For over a decade now, SHARON has proven to be a

unique technological process to remove ammonia in
wastewater. First in the Netherlands and now also
successfully applied at several wastewater treatment
plants abroad. After the first assignment outside the
Netherlands, for the city of New York in the United States,
the SHARON process was subsequently selected for
application by authorities in Paris, Geneva, Manchester
and Sweden.

The SHARON technology received the IWA Regional

Project Innovation Award 2008. The technology is a joint
development of Grontmij and Delft University of
Technology. This co-operation affirms the strategy of
Grontmij to ensure continuation of new developments
along with universities and research institutions and
simultaneously to ensure to market these innovations in
a fast and effective manner.

Together with our clients, we apply this sustainable

technology, tailor-made. The SHARON technology treats
wastewater in a stable and reliable way and the process
saves cost, space, energy and thus the environment.

In this brochure you will find a list of our SHARON

projects alongside our clients’ experiences with the
SHARON technology.

Hubert Habib
Director Infrastructure & Environment

SHARON | 7
1 Introduction

Stable High rate Ammonia Removal Over Nitrite.
SHARON is a cost-effective treatment system for the total
removal of nitrogen from wastewater. The system is used
for treatment of high strength ammonia liquors. A
typical application is the treatment of liquors from
dewatered digested primary sludge and waste activated
biosolids at municipal wastewater treatment plants. It
may also be used to treat wastewater flows from sludge
dryers and incinerators.
SHARON is a biological nitrification/denitrification
process operating with minimal sludge retention time.
Due to differences in growth rates of the bacterial
species at the process design temperature (30-40°C) a
selection can be made wherein the nitrite oxidizing
bacteria are washed out of the system while ammonia
oxidizing bacteria are retained along with denitrifying
bacteria. This effectively stops the nitrification process at
nitrite and prevents the formation of nitrate. Using this
metabolic mode of operation allows for a 25% reduction
in aeration energy required for nitrification and a 40%
reduction in the amount of BOD required for
denitrification. The separate treatment of high strength
ammonia liquors significantly reduces the load on the
main treatment plant, thus increasing plant capacity
without the need for the construction of additional basin
volume.
The SHARON process is characterized by extreme
process stability, due to the high growth rate of bacteria
and the absence of sludge retention. The sludge
retention time is equal to the hydraulic retention time,
which means that no external control of the mixed liquor
suspended solids concentration is required. Basically the
system controls itself. The process will adjust even to
strong variations in feed conditions without operator
intervention and will recover from process disturbances
in hours, rather than days.
Full treatment capacity can be maintained even when a
limited feed load is available, which allows for sudden
increases in load without adverse effects on effluent
quality. The system can be shut down for days without
loss of treatment capacity.
The process has moved beyond the development stage.
Six full-scale SHARON systems have been constructed at
large wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands
(located in Rotterdam, Utrecht, Zwolle, Beverwijk,
Groningen and The Hague). The SHARON plants at
Rotterdam and Utrecht have provided more than ten
years of operational experience each. Operator
experiences with these systems are discussed in the next
chapter.
A SHARON for New York City (USA) is operational since
May 2009. SHARON systems are in preparation for
Geneva (CH), Paris (F), Shell Green (Manchester, UK) and
Whitlingham (Norwich, UK).
The SHARON process has also been successfully tested
on wastewater from the dewatering and drying of
digestate from a combined manure and organic slurry
digestion plant (MAV, Ghent, Belgium). This 50 m3/h
wastewater flow contains high levels of ammonia and
suspended solids. It was determined that the SHARON
process was preferable to conventional aerobic
treatment processes or treatment in a membrane
bioreactor, or to non-biological treatment methods like
ammonia stripping.
Compared to these other processes, the SHARON
process configuration was found to be technologically
less complex and more flexible, and the investment and
operational costs were considerably lower.

General comparison of different techniques for N-removal from rejection water

Production Production Dosage chemicals Energy Operation Cost* estimate

chemical sludge biological sludge requirements Euro/kg N

Air stripping yes no yes average average 6,0

Steam stripping yes no yes high complex 8,0
MAP/CAFR process yes no yes low complex 6,0
Membrane bioreactor no yes yes high average 2,8
Biofilm airlift reactor no low yes average average 5,7
SHARON process no low yes average average 1,5

*Cost estimate base on STOWA (1996) for WWTP capacity of 500,000 p.e.

1 The STOWA (Dutch acronym for the Foundation for Applied Water Research) coordinates and commissions research on behalf of a large number of local water administrations.
Among the 61 bodies which contribute to the STOWA, there are water boards, provinces and the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management

SHARON | 9
2 SHARON Nitrogen Removal over Nitrite

Compact systems for treatment of concentrated wastewater flows are increasingly more important, particularly

where space is lacking. A new development is the SHARON (Single reactor system for High activity Ammonia

Removal Over Nitrite). SHARON is a joint development of Grontmij, TU Delft and the Waterboard ZHEW. SHARON

is especially fit for treatment of nitrogen rejection waters from sludge digestion, the treatment of landfill

leachate and the treatment of various concentrated industrial wastewaters.

Background Advantages
Bacterial activity increases at high temperatures. At Compared to other techniques for treatment of
temperatures of 30 - 40 °C nitrifying sludge needs only a nitrogen-rich wastewaters like steam stripping, the
short residence time. At these high temperatures MAP-process or the air lift reactor, SHARON has several
nitrogen-rich wastewaters can be treated in a single advantages:
reactor. No sludge retention is required to maintain the • low investment costs
nitrifying sludge in the system as long as the hydraulic • low operational costs
retention time is equal or higher than the minimum • no chemical by-products
sludge retention time. SHARON (pat.) is specially fit for • simple operation and maintenance
treatment of nitrogen-rich wastewaters, for example • easy start-up
rejection water from the dewatering of digested sludge • insensitive to high influent SS levels
at a WWTP. Furthermore SHARON is also fit for pre- • negligible odour emission
treatment of various highly concentrated industrial
wastewaters.

Schematic representation of SHARON

Influent NH4 NO2 Effluent

NO2 N2

(Alkalinity) 30 - 40 ˚C

C-source
Mixing

Aeration

SHARON | 11
 2 SHARON Nitrogen Removal over nitrite

Results of rejection water treatment SHARON Rotterdam Process features

• no sludge retention
parameter dimension value • simple process
Nkj influent mg/l 1,000 - 1,500 • nitrite route reduces up to:
- 25% oxygen demand
N-removal % > 95
- 40% methanol requirement
HRToxic day 1,0 - 1,5 - 30% sludge production
temperature °C 30 - 40 - 20% CO2 emission
• maximum usage of alkaline buffer
pH - 6,8 - 7,2
oxygen ppm 1,0 - 1,5 Application
• dewatering liquors from sludge digestion
• leachate water of landfill site
• wastewater of composting process
Nitrification • condensate of sludge drying

1,5 O2 Wash-out of Nitrobacter

NH 4+ + NO2- + H2O + 2H +
NH 4+ + 2 O2 NO3- + H 2O + 2H + Nitrosomas

minimum residence time (d.)

Full scale plants
25% energy saved
• location: WWTP Utrecht (NL) • location: New York City (US)
capacity: 400,000 pe WPCP: 250 MGD
influent: filtrate influent: centrate
Nitrobacter
Denitrification N-load: 900 kg NH4/d SHARON: 1.85 MGD
operational: 1997 5000 kg NH4/d
6 NO2- + 3CH3OH + 3 CO 2 3N 2 + 6 HCO3- + 3 H2O • location: WWTP Rotterdam (NL) operational: 2009
6 NO3- + 5CH3OH + CO 2 3N 2 + 6 HCO3- + 7 H2O capacity: 470,000 pe • location: Geneva (CH)
0 10 20 30 40 influent: centrate capacity 600,000 pe
temperature (°C) N-load: 850 kg NH4/d influent: centrate
40% methanol saved
operational: 1999 SHARON: 1600 m3/d
• location: WWTP Zwolle (NL) 1700 kg NH4/d
capacity: 200,000 pe operational: 2010
influent: centrate • location: Seine Grésillons (F)
In conventional aerobic systems the biological ammonia So in a system without sludge retention they can survive at N-load: 410 kg NH4/d capacity: 300,000 m3/d
oxidation comprises of two steps. First the oxidation of shorter residence times. In a reactor with a temperature of 30 operational: 2003 influent: centrate
ammonia to nitrite by Nitrosomonas and subsequently the to 40°C and a short residence time mainly ammonia oxidation • location: WWTP Beverwijk (NL) SHARON: 3200 m3/d
oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by Nitrobacter. At higher to nitrite occurs because Nitrobacter is washed out of the capacity: 320,000 pe 3500 kg NH4/d
temperatures Nitrosomonas prove to have significantly system. influent: centrate and condensate operational: 2012
higher maximum growth rates than Nitrobacter. N-load: 1200 kg NH4/d • location: MVPC Shell Green (UK)
operational: 2003 influent: centrate
• location: WWTP Groningen (NL) SHARON: 1400 m3/d
capacity 300,000 pe 1600 kg NH4/d
influent: filtrate and condensate operational: 2010
N-load: 2500 kg NH4/d • location: Whitlingham (UK)
operational: 2005 influent: centrate
• location: WWTP Den Haag (NL) SHARON: 900 m3/d
capacity: 930,000 pe 1500 kg NH4/d
influent: centrate operational: 2010
N-load: 1200 kg NH4/d • location: Linköping (S)
operational: 2005 influent: centrate
SHARON: 490 m3/d
500 kg NH4/d
operational: 2009

SHARON | 12 SHARON | 13
3 Full-scale experience with the SHARON process...
...through the eyes of the operators
Abstract
This paper summarizes different operating aspects and
experiences of several SHARON plants. The SHARON process
is suitable for treatment of high strength ammonia
wastewaters such as reject water from dewatering of digested
sewage sludge and wastewater from sludge drying or
incineration plants. The aerated retention time and nitrite
concentration are the two most important process
parameters to control the ammonia outlet concentration.
Ammonia removal efficiencies can be over 95%, are variable
and can be targeted according to the required needs of the
main WWTP and/or to minimize overall nitrogen removal
costs. The process is compact and simple to operate.
Depending on site specific circumstances there are different
system configurations possible. Nine years of operating
experience prove that the SHARON process is sustainable and
highly competitive. Compared to conventional techniques
there are significant savings of energy and consumables.
Application of fine bubble aeration has further decreased
aeration costs. Recently the use of by-products of the biofuel
industry as COD source for denitrification has further
increased the cost effectiveness. SHARON is successfully
applied to significantly improve the main WWTP nitrogen
effluent quality. It proves to be a cost effective alternative for
conventional extension of the WWTP.
Keywords
SHARON, Nitrogen removal, nitrification, denitrification,
nitrite, rejection water, side stream
Figure 1 – Different growth rate of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers
Minimum aërated retention time
Nitrobacter
1 day
Nitrosomonas
35 ˚C
temperature (°C)
SHARON | 15
J.W. Mulder, J.O.J. Duin, J. Goverde, W.G. Poiesz,
H.M. van Veldhuizen, R. van Kempen, P. Roeleveld
Introduction
The SHARON process was developed in the 90’s of the last
century at the Delft University of Technology (Hellinga et al.,
1998; Hellinga et al., 1999; STOWA, 1996). SHARON refers to
Stable and High activity Ammonia Removal Over Nitrite. The
process is especially suitable for high strength ammonia
wastewaters. Typical applications are treatment of reject
water from dewatering of digested sewage sludge (Mulder et
al., 2001; Kempen et al., 2001) and wastewater from sludge
drying or incineration plants. By treating reject water which is
only 1% of the hydraulic load of a WWTP, the nitrogen load to
a WWTP is reduced by 10 to 30%. With side stream treatment
the overall nitrogen removal efficiency of the WWTP can be
significantly improved. Other applications are treatment of
landfill leachate and wastewater from digestion of organic
waste and manure (Notenboom et al., 2002).
The SHARON process makes advantage of the difference in
growth rate of ammonia oxidizers and nitrite oxidizers which
is illustrated in Figure 1. At higher temperatures, the ammonia
oxidizers have a significant higher growth rate. By controlling
the aerated retention time to approximately 1 day, the nitrite
oxidizers will be washed out of the tank, and nitrification will
be limited to nitrite formation. The SHARON process is
operated in completely mixed reactors without sludge
retention. Therefore the hydraulic retention time (HRT) is
equal to the sludge retention time (SRT). A system without
sludge retention behaves like a chemostat. Typically the
outlet concentration of a chemostat is independent of the
inlet concentration. A chemostat is therefore especially suited
for treatment of high strength wastewaters. Furthermore the
absence of sludge retention makes the SHARON process
insensitive to suspended solids levels that may vary in reject
water of sludge dewatering.
Figure 2 – The nitrite route
O2 (75%) O2 (25%)
NH4 NO2 NO3
40% Methanol
60% Methanol
N2
 3 Full-scale experience with the SHARON process

As a result of N-removal by nitrite instead of nitrate energy Therefore a 25% reduction of the aeration energy is a The advantage of a high conversion rate and the savings on
and COD are saved. Nitrification limited to nitrite saves 25% of significant decrease of the overall energy consumption. In consumables demand makes the SHARON process a compact
aeration energy. Denitrification of nitrite saves 40% of COD, as addition 30% less surplus sludge is produced and overall 20% and sustainable method for nitrogen removal.
is indicated in Figure 2 (page 11). More than 80% of the less CO2 is emitted.
energy demand related to the treatment of high strength This paper presents from an operational perspective an
ammonia wastewaters is contributed to aeration energy. overview of the different SHARON plants.
Figure 3 – From left to right and from top to bottom: SHARON plant: Rotterdam-Sluisjesdijk, Utrecht, Zwolle, Beverwijk, The Haque-Houtrust and Groningen-Garmerwolde Overview of sharon plants
The first full scale SHARON plant came in 1997 in operation.
At present six systems are implemented. In Table 1 an
overview of the SHARON systems in the Netherlands is
presented and Figure 3 contains a photograph of each plant.
Most plants are applied for treatment of reject water from
sludge dewatering. The first large scale SHARON system
outside the Netherlands will be built at the WWTP New York
Wards Island (Carrio, 2003). This plant will have a capacity of
5.000 kg nitrogen per day and will be operational in 2007.
System configuration
The basic configuration of SHARON process consists of a
single, completely mixed tank. The tank is aerated
intermittently to accommodate nitrification and
denitrification (Figure 4). An alternative configuration consists
of two separate tanks, one for nitrification and one for
denitrification. Water is recirculated between the two
compartments. An advantage of this configuration is a lower
installed aeration capacity because the aeration system can
operate continuously at design treatment capacity. A
disadvantage however is the need for a recirculation flow
which restricts the maximum denitrification efficiency and
requires an extra pump. Depending on the site specific
circumstances such as space restrictions, wastewater
characteristics, existing available tank volume and minimum
overall costs an optimum system configuration is selected.
Table 2 presents the configuration and volume of the
different full scale plants.

Heating or cooling may be required to maintain a process

Figure 4 – Schematic representation of a single tank SHARON system temperature between 30° Celsius and 40° Celsius (86 -104 F).

Usually an external COD source such as methanol is needed

Inlet NH4 NO2 Outlet because the BOD concentration of reject water is low. Caustic
can be used for additional pH control. In practice most
NO2 N2
SHARON plants operate without the use of caustic and caustic
is only used as back-up facility.

(Alkalinity) 30 - 40 ˚C Jet aerators or fine bubble diffusers are used for aeration. The
first SHARON plants were equipped with jet aerators. For
more recent SHARONs, material developments made
application of fine bubble diffusers in warm media possible,
C-source achieving higher oxygen transfer efficiencies. The
Mixing denitrification process requires mixing.

Aeration

Table 2 – System configuration SHARON plants

SHARON Tanks Volume (m3) Volume (US Gallon)

Utrecht Two 3,000/1,500 792,600/396,300
Rotterdam-Dokhaven Single 1,800 475,560
Zwolle Two 900/450 237,780/118,890
Table 1 - Full scale SHARON plants Netherlands Beverwijk Two 1,500/750 396,300/198,150
The Haque-Houtrust Single 2,000 528,400
SHARON In operation since Load (kg N/day) Wastewater application
Groningen-Garmerwolde Two 4,900/2,450 1,294,580/647,290
Utrecht 1997 900 sludge dewatering
Rotterdam-Dokhaven 1999 850 sludge dewatering
Zwolle 2003 410 sludge dewatering
Beverwijk 2003 1,200 sludge dewatering/drying dewatering/drying
The Hague-Houtrust 2005 1,300 dewatering
Groningen-Garmerwolde 2005 2,400 sludge dewatering/drying

SHARON | 16 SHARON | 17

Aerated retention time control
The nitrification is limited to nitrite formation. A key feature to
obtain stable nitrite production is control of the Aerated
Retention Time (ART). At a temperature of around 35°C an
ART of 1-2 day is required to predominately (>98%) produce
nitrite. The aeration is operated discontinuously and
according to the inlet flow the length of an aeration period is
adjusted accurately. A typical trend of the ART control is
illustrated in Figure 5.
Ammonia removal efficiency
An advantage of the process is a high conversion rate at
temperatures above 30° C and therefore a short ART (1-2
days) is sufficient for the nitrification process. On the other
hand the Ks value (Monod kinetics) for ammonia increases
with increasing growth rates. As a consequence the ammonia
outlet concentration increases with shorter ARTs. As rule of
thumb the ammonia outlet concentration increases from less
than 5 NH4-N/l at an ART of 2 days to approximately 100 mg
NH4-N/l at an ART of 1 day. At an ART of 1.5 days an ammonia
outlet concentration of approximately 20 mg NH4-N/l can be
achieved. In addition the ammonia outlet concentration
depends on the nitrite outlet concentration. Originally
denitrification was applied for pH control only.
Figure 5 – Typical trend ART control SHARON Zwolle
Table 3 - Average results of different SHARON plants
Location ART (day)
Utrecht1 3–6
Rotterdam 1.3 – 1.8
Zwolle 1.3 – 1.8
Beverwijk 1.3 – 1.8
Houtrust 1.5 – 1.8
Garmerwolde2 1.4 – 1.5
1
Due to the ART above 2 days nitrogen is removed partly by nitrate
2
Expected results after start pre-thickening surplus sludge
SHARON | 18
The SHARON Rotterdam-Sluisjesdijk plant was run with nitrite
concentrations as high as 200-300 mg NO2-N/l. During a
period with complete denitrification low outlet ammonia
concentrations (< 20 mg/l) were achieved. High nitrite levels
do significantly reduce the activity of ammonia oxidizers.
Besides the ART and nitrite outlet concentration the process
parameters pH, temperature and oxygen concentration do
influence the actual outlet ammonia concentration. Increased
temperatures, pH values and oxygen levels do in general
increase the ammonia removal efficiency. The ammonia
outlet concentration is thus variable and depends on the
actual settings of the process operating parameters. Based on
full scale experience the ammonia outlet concentration can
be targeted according to a required ammonia removal
demand and/or to minimize overall nitrogen removal costs.
Figure 6 presents the nitrogen removal efficiency of SHARON
Beverwijk. The average ammonia removal efficiency is 94%.
Incidentally there is a shortage of COD source (sludge dryer
condensate) that lowers the denitrification efficiency. Even so
the average total nitrogen removal efficiency is 88%.
In Table 3 the average ammonia removal results of several
SHARON plants are presented.
Figure 6 – Removal efficiencies SHARON Beverwijk
Inlet concentration (mg NH4-N/l) NH4-N removal efficiency (%)
600 – 900 90 – 95
1.000 – 1.500 85 – 98
400 – 600 85 – 95
700 – 900 85 – 95
900 – 1.200 85 – 98
700 – 800 ≥ 95
3 Full-scale experience with the SHARON process
PH control
Nitrification results in a pH decrease. Because of the high inlet
concentrations the pH effect will be strong, and without pH
correction nitrification will be inhibited. Three mechanisms
can be responsible for pH adjustment.
The first mechanism is stripping of CO2. Wastewater
originating from sludge digestion will contain high
concentrations of CO2. In these wastewaters the stripping
effect will be responsible for neutralizing about 50% of the pH
decrease. The process of CO2 stripping cannot be controlled.
The second mechanism is denitrification. A maximum of 50%
of the pH effect can be neutralized by denitrification. For
denitrification both external and internal COD sources are
applied. Dependant on the requirements of the main WWTP
full or partial denitrification can be targeted. For pH control
only partial denitrification is often sufficient. In addition any
outlet nitrite will be denitrified in the part(s) (head of works,
primary sedimentation, first aeration etc.) of the main WWTP.
The third mechanism is dosage of caustic which is the most
direct way of pH control. However dosage of caustic is more
expensive in comparison with denitrification with external
C-sources.
Figure 7 – Typical pH trend SHARON The Haque-Houtrust
SHARON | 19
In practice dosage of caustic can be needed in situations
where due to addition of specific chemicals such as iron
chloride for dewatering, the CO2 content of the wastewater is
decreased. In these cases the CO2 stripping effect will be less
than 50% and depending on targeted nitrification efficiencies
addition of caustic may be needed. Two of the six full scale
SHARON plants in operation do require additional caustic
dosage due to the use of ferric chloride at the dewatering.
Other SHARON plants have caustic dosing systems as a
backup provision. The SHARON The Haque-Houtrust plant has
no caustic dosing system at all.
In all situations pH measurement and control is very
important for process stability. In case of a single tank system
the aeration is discontinuous and the pH will vary during a
cycle. The difference between the maximum and minimum
pH value during a cycle can be 0.5 pH unit. A typical pH trend
of single tank system is illustrated in Figure 7.

COD sources for deninitrification
The BOD concentration of most ammonia rich wastewaters is
very limited, e.g. wastewater from dewatering of digested
sludge. In this situation an external COD source has to be
dosed. The ratio of COD:N for denitrification has a
stoichometric value of 2.86 in case of denitrification of nitrate
and 1.71 in case of nitrite. Including sludge production the
COD consumption is expected to be about 4 g COD/g NO3-N
and 2.4 g COD/g NO2-N. The actual COD consumption is the
best indicator for nitrification/denitrification by the nitrite
route. Nitrate and nitrite effluent concentrations are of little
importance because the actual ratio between production and
conversion of nitrate and nitrite are unknown.
Different types of COD sources are used for denitrification as
is presented in Table 4.
Traditionally methanol is applied as a cost effective external
COD source. Methanol is not part of the natural citric acid
cycle breakdown pathway and therefore denitrifying bacteria
need some adaptation time. In full scale practice the
observed adaptation time is short and amounts to less than
several days. The use of methanol requires safety measures
for storage and dosing, due to fire and explosive risks. Plants
that use methanol do investigate the feasibility of using
alternative COD sources.
Table 4 – Different COD sources used for denitrification
Location COD source
Utrecht by-product from biofuel production
Rotterdam-Sluisjesdijk methanol1
Zwolle by-product from biofuel production
Beverwijk condensate sludge drying
Houtrust methanol
Groningen-Garmerwolde condensate sludge drying; industrial waste product; methanol
1
Use of methanol is stopped due to start-up of Anammox
SHARON | 20
Alternative COD sources such as industrial waste products
can be used as well. Issues for use of industrial waste products
are residuals such as heavy metals, continuity of delivery and
COD concentration. A high COD concentration is important in
order to avoid significant decrease of the hydraulic retention
time due to dilution. The application of industrial waste
products is not very common yet.
Recently byproducts from the rapid growing biofuel
production industry have become widely available as external
COD source. These products can be 2-4 times more cost
effective than high grade methanol and may require less
stringent storage measures. Usually existing storage and
dosing facilities for methanol can be used.
Some SHARON plants treat a mixture of wastewater from
dewatering of digested sludge and wastewater (condensate)
from sludge drying. Wastewater from sludge drying is COD
rich and therefore no or less external COD source is needed.
In practice the SHARON plants have a COD:N ratio below 2.4
gram COD per gram nitrite removed. SHARON Utrecht has a
COD:N ratio of 3.0. The ART of this plant is above 2 days and
therefore partially nitrate besides nitrite is produced by
nitrification
3 Full-scale experience with the SHARON process
Temperature control
Biological processes produce heat. As a consequence the heat
production of the high strength wastewaters is significant. As
rule of thumb nitrogen removal (nitrification/denitrification)
by nitrite produces 10° C temperature increase per 1 gram
ammonia per liter. A temperature of 35° Celsius (95 F) is used
as design temperature. In practice the process functions well
within a range of 30° to 40° Celsius (86 - 104 F). In full scale
practice even maximum temperatures of 42° Celsius (108 F)
were reached. Temperature control is therefore not a very
critical factor. For each plant a detailed heat balance is made.
Most dominant factors are wastewater temperature, inlet
ammonia concentration and tank insulation.
Figure 8 illustrates a heat balance of the SHARON
Rotterdam-Sluisjesdijk plant.
A system without cooling/heating equipment is preferable
because of its simplicity. The SHARON plant The Haque-
Houtrust has no heating or cooling system. Here the system
temperature varies over season between 34° and 42° Celsius
(93 – 108 F).
On other locations depending on site specific circumstances
cooling or heating can be required. At sites with sludge
drying, the condensate can have temperatures up to 70°
Celsius (158 F) and thus cooling is necessary. Locations with
relatively low wastewater temperatures (below ≈ 25° Celsius
(77 F)) and low inlet concentrations (below ≈ 700 mg NH4-N/l)
may require additional heating. In many occasions excess
heat and/or biogas are available for additional heating.
Figure 8 – Heat balance SHARON Rotterdam-Sluisjesdijk
SHARON | 21
Sludge dewatering
Sludge dewatering operation can have a significant effect on
both inlet temperatures and inlet concentrations. For
example in case of a belt filter press the belt press water
(filtrate) should preferably be collected separately from the
belt pres rinse water as is illustrated in Figure 9. The filtrate
can be reused as belt rinse water. Additionally the used belt
press rinse water can be added to the sludge input to remove
suspended solids. In case fresh water is used as belt pres rinse
water the filtrate is unnecessarily cooled and diluted. Also
filtrate can be used to dilute the Poly Electrolyte (PE) base
solution and can be subject of optimization. Optimum sludge
thickening prior to digestion is another factor of importance
to reach high inlet concentrations and does improve the
effectiveness of digestion and side stream treatment in
general. Large uncovered digested sludge storage tanks
should be avoided to prevent unnecessary cooling. Finally the
use of specific anti-foam agents prior to the SHARON process
can have a negative effect on oxygen transfer efficiency of the
aeration. In case an anti-foam agent is needed, a suitable
product should be carefully selected depending on site
specific wastewater characteristics and circumstances. In
general the SHARON processes are operated without the
additional use of anti-foam agents.
Figure 9 – Reuse of belt press water (filtrate) as belt rinse water

Process stability and control
The definition of process stability depends on the required
ammonia outlet concentration. For example the ammonia
outlet concentration of SHARON Rotterdam-Sluisjesdijk may
amount to about 100 mg/l. Here this outlet concentration is
sufficiently low for the main WWTP. Other SHARON plants do
reach lower ammonia outlet concentrations, even as low as
20 mg/l. To continuously achieve low ammonia outlet
concentrations advanced process control is needed. These
systems are therefore not only equipped with an oxygen, pH
and temperature sensor but also with an online ammonia
sensor and online nitrite sensor to enable a more advanced
process control program.
In full scale practice the supply of reject water can be
interrupted due to a discontinuous operation of the
dewatering facility during for example weekends or
maintenance periods. During these periods, that may last
several days or longer, the actual ammonia removal capacity
is preserved. This is achieved by restriction of the aeration.
Without the availability of oxygen the activity of the nitrite
oxidizers is preserved and full capacity remains standby. The
high process temperature and thus the high growth rate of
the ammonia oxidizers, contributes to the high process
stability of the SHARON process. In addition the high process
temperature enables during start-up a capacity increase of up
to 50% per day.
All SHARON plants operate automatically. In full scale
practices normal operation activities are restricted to less
than 1 hour per day.
Table 5 – Model results effect of SHARON on WWTP nitrogen removal efficiency
Nitrogen balance Activated sludge process (AS) without SHARON
Limited aeration capacity
TN load
Raw influent 100
Rejection water 20
N removal AS
Nitri/Deni 72
Surplus sludge 4 4
SHARON - -
Total 76
Effluent load
TKN 21
NO3-N 3 22
TN 24
SHARON | 22
Operational costs
The main operational costs are for energy and COD source.
Costs for the COD source are strongly influenced by the type
of COD source used. COD from condensate from sludge
drying is available for free. Application of industrial waste
streams as COD source can even be a source of income. The
use of byproducts from the production of biofuel can be up
to four times more cost effective than the use of a high grade
methanol. Expressed per kg nitrogen removed the SHARON
process is highly competitive with other techniques for
removal of high strength wastewaters.
Improved WWTP effluent quality
The effect of SHARON on the main WWTP nitrogen effluent
quality was previously described (Kempen et al., 2005). For
two large WWTPs (Utrecht and Rotterdam-Dokhaven) the
nitrogen balance was studied. The balances show the external
and internal nitrogen loads before and after side stream
treatment implementation. In both cases, implementation of
SHARON significantly improved the overall WWTP nitrogen
removal efficiency and nitrogen effluent quality.
Three situations can be distinguished where SHARON is
effective; (i) a limited aeration capacity, (ii) a limited
denitrification capacity and (iii) a limited aerobic sludge age.
It was shown that SHARON is successfully applied in the first
and second situation. Based on model study and supported
by full scale practice it was shown that in case SHARON is
combined with enhanced suspended solids removal, the
aerobic sludge age can be extended to maintain nitrification
at lower temperatures. In the example the critical
temperature for nitrification could be lowered with several
degrees Celsius. In Table 5 an overview of the model results of
the effect of SHARON on the WWTP nitrogen effluent quality
is presented. In full scale practice the following improvements
were achieved. At WWTP Rotterdam-Dokhaven, aeration
capacity of the activated sludge system was limiting.
AS with SHARON
Limited denitrification capacity Limited aerobic sludge age
100 100 100
20 20 1 Water Research) for their support and contribution to the
72 0 72
4 4
- 19
76 4 95
2 96 2 employee of the ‘Groot Salland’ Water Board, and R. van
0 3
24 96 5 sewage treatment plants. Single reactor system for removal of
3 Full-scale experience with the SHARON process
By implementation of SHARON the effluent ammonia load
was decreased by approximately 50%. At WWTP Utrecht the
denitrification capacity was the limiting factor. After
implementation of SHARON the overall TN removal efficiency
increased from 65% to over 75%.
In both situations the improved overall nitrogen removal
results were achieved even with a 6% increase of the WWWP
influent nitrogen load. At both locations SHARON did
improve the WWTP effluent quality and made compliance
with nitrogen removal requirements possible. SHARON
proved to be a cost effective alternative for conventional
extension of the WWTP.
Conclusions
Nine years of operating experience prove that SHARON is an
economic and sustainable process for nitrogen removal of
high strength wastewaters. Compared to conventional
techniques there is a significant saving of energy and
consumables. The process is compact and simple to operate.
Depending on site specific circumstances, different system
configurations are possible.
The process can be operated very stable. The aerated
retention time and nitrite concentration are the two most
important process parameters to control the ammonia outlet
concentration. The process temperature is less critical and
may vary between 30° and 40°C. Ammonia removal
efficiencies can be over 95%, are variable and can be targeted
according to the required needs of the main WWTP and/or to
minimize overall nitrogen removal costs.
The SHARON process is highly competitive with other
techniques for removal of high strength wastewaters.
Application of fine bubble aeration has further decreased
aeration costs. Recently the use of by-products of the biofuel
production industry as COD source for denitrification, has
further increased the cost effectiveness.
SHARON is successfully applied to improve the main WWTP
nitrogen effluent quality. It proves to be a cost effective
alternative for conventional extension of the WWTP.
Acknowledgments
The authors of this paper like to thank the Delft University of
Technology and the STOWA (the Dutch foundation of Applied
development of the SHARON process.
End notes
J.W. Mulder is employee of the ‘Hollandse Delta’ Water Board,
J.O.J. Duin is employee of the ‘De Stichtse Rijnlanden’ Water
Board, J. Goverde is employee of the ‘Hollands
Noorderkwartier’ Water Board, W.G. Poiesz is employee of the
‘Noorderzijlvest’ Water Board, H.M. van Veldhuizen is
Kempen and P. Roeleveld are employees of the ‘Grontmij
Nederland’ Consulting Engineering Company.
SHARON | 23
Mixing and Mass transfer Technologies INC, Lotepro
Environmental Systems and Services is the licensee from
Grontmij of the SHARON process in North America. Please
address all communications regarding SHARON to Alphonse
Warakomski by e-mail at: awarakomski@m2ttech.com
References
Abma, W, (2006), J.W. Mulder, W. v .d. Star, M. Strous, (2006),
Anammox in Rotterdam overtreft verwachtingen (in Dutch),
H2O, 10, pp 47 - 49.
Carrio, L, J. Sexton, A. Lopez, K. Gopalakrishnam, V. Sapienza,
(2003), Ammonia-Nitrogen Removal from Centrate, 10 years
of testing and operating experience in New York City, WEFTEC
2003 - Session 42: Municipal Wastewater Treatment Processes,
Water Environment Federation, 2003.
Dongen, U. van, Jetten, M.S.M. & van Loosdrecht, M.C.M.
(2001). The SHARON – Anammox process for treatment
of ammonium rich wastewater. Wat. Sci. Tech. 44 (1),
pp 153 - 160.
Hellinga, C., M.C.M. van Loosdrecht, J.J. Heijnen, (1999). Model
based design of a novel process for nitrogen removal from
concentrated flows. Math. Comp. Modell. Dyn. Sys. 5, pp 1-13.
Hellinga, C., A.A.J.C. Schellen, J.W. Mulder, M.C.M. van
Loosdrecht and J.J. Heijnen, (1998). The SHARON process; An
innovative method for nitrogen removal from ammonium
rich waste water. Wat. Sci. Tech. 37, pp. 135-142.
Kempen, R. van, J.W. Mulder, C.A. Uijterlinde and M.C.M.
Loosdrecht, (2001). Overview: full scale experience of the
SHARON process for treatment of rejection water of digested
sludge dewatering. Wat. Sci. Tech., 44 (1), pp 145-152, IWA
Publishing 2001.
Kempen, R. van, C.C.R. ten Have, S.C.F. Meijer, J.W. Mulder, J.O.J.
Duin, C.A. Uijterlinde and M.C.M. van Loosdrecht, (2005).
SHARON process evaluated for improved wastewater
treatment plant effluent quality. Wat. Sci. Tech., 52 (4),
pp 55-62, IWA Publishing 2005.
Mulder, J.W., M.C.M. van Loosdrecht, C. Hellinga and R. van
Kempen, (2001). Full-scale application of the SHARON process
for treatment of rejection water of digested sludge
dewatering. Wat. Sci. Tech., 43 (11), pp 127-134, IWA
Publishing 2001.
Notenboom, G. J., J.C. Jacobs, R. van Kempen, M.C.M. van
Loosdrecht, (2002) High rate treatment with SHARON process
of waste water from solid waste digestion , IWA, 3rd
International Symposium Anaerobic Digestion of Solid
Wastes, 18 to 20 September 2002 Munich / Garching,
Germany.
STOWA (1996). Treatment of nitrogen-rich return flows of
ammonium over nitrite (in Dutch). STOWA report 96-01.
4 Reference list

Project SHARON Seine Grésillons, Paris, France

Client OTV on behalf of Syndicat Interdepartemental pour
l’Assainissement de l’Agglomeration Parisienne (SIAAP).
Capacity 3200 m3/day, Ammonia removal 3500 kg/day
Year Under design (construction starts 2010)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater
(centrate and condensate) produced during dewatering of
digested sludge and sludge drying.
Contracting method used Services contract for design, start-up and commissioning,
including process guarantees.

Project SHARON STEP Aire II, Genève, Switzerland

Client Service Industriels de Genève (SIG)
Capacity 1600 m3/day, Ammonia removal 1700 kg/day
Year Under design (construction starts 2009)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate)
produced during dewatering of digested sludge.
Contracting method used Services contract for design, start-up and commissioning,
including process guarantees.

Project SHARON Whitlingham STC, Norwich, UK

Client Black & Veatch on behalf of Anglian Water
Capacity 900 m3/day, Ammonia removal 1500 kg kg/day
Year Under design (construction starts 2009)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (filtrate) produced
during dewatering of digested sludge. The sludge treatment system
includes a thermal hydraulysis process prior to digestion, yielding highly
concentrated dewatering liquors.
Contracting method used Services contract for design, start-up and commissioning,
including process guarantees.

Project SHARON Shell Green, Mersey Valley Processing Centre, Widnes

(near Manchester), UK
Client S3JV on behalf of United Utilities
Capacity 1400 m3/day, Ammonia removal 1600 kg/day
Year Under design (construction starts 2009)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate)
produced during dewatering of digested sludge. Shell Green is the central
sludge processing centre for Manchester and Leeds.
Contracting method used Services contract for design, start-up and commissioning,
including process guarantees.

Project SHARON Linköping, Sweden

Client Tekniska Verken i Linköping AB
Capacity 490m3/day, Ammonia removal 500 kg/day
Year 2009 (operational)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater
(centrate produced during dewatering of digested sludge)
Contracting method used Turnkey (refurbishment of existing SBR)

SHARON | 25
 4 Reference list

Project SHARON WPCP Wards Island, New York City, USA Project SHARON WWTP Rotterdam-Dokhaven, The Netherlands
Client Metcalf & Eddy of New York, Inc. / New York City Department of Client Waterboard Hollandse Eilanden en Waarden
Environmental Protection Capacity 600 m3/day, Ammonium removal 850 kg per day.
Capacity 7000 m3/day, Ammonium removal 5000 kg per day. Year 1997-1998 (Operational)
Year 2008 – 2009 (Under construction) Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate) produced during dewatering of digested sludge. The capacity of WWTP
produced during dewatering of digested sludge. The capacity of WPCP Rotterdam-Dokhaven is 470,000 p.e.
Wards Island is 285 MGD. The SHARON system is currently under Contracting method used Grontmij was responsible for design, preparation of tender documents,
construction. construction supervision and commissioning.
Contracting method used SHARON Systems LLC, a joint Grontmij/M2T company, is responsible for
design, supply and installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, Project SHARON WWTP Utrecht, The Netherlands
commissioning and one year operation assistance. Client Water Authority De Stichtse Rijnlanden
Capacity Ammonium removal 900 kg per day.
Project SHARON WWTP Garmerwolde, The Netherlands Year 1997 (Operational)
Client Waterboard Noorderzijlvest Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate)
Capacity 3200 m3/day, Ammonium removal 2500 kg per day. produced during dewatering of digested sludge. The capacity of
Year 2005 (operational) WWTP is 400,000 p.e.
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate and Contracting method used Grontmij was responsible for Turnkey realisation.
condensate) produced during dewatering of digested sludge and sludge
drying. The capacity of WWTP Garmerwolde is 300,000 p.e.
Contracting method used Grontmij was responsible for Turnkey realisation.

Project SHARON WWTP Houtrust, The Hague, The Netherlands

Client Delfluent Services bv / Waterboard Delfland
Capacity 900 m3/day, Ammonium removal 1200 kg per day.
Year 2005 (operational)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate)
produced during dewatering of digested sludge. The capacity of WWTP
Houtrust is 930,000 p.e.
Contracting method used Grontmij was responsible for Turnkey realisation.

Project SHARON WWTP Beverwijk (The Netherlands)

Client Waterboard Uitwaterende Sluizen
Capacity 900 m3/day, Ammonium removal 1200 kg per day.
Year 2002-2003 (Operational)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate and
condensate) produced during dewatering of digested sludge and sludge
drying. The capacity of WWTP Beverwijk is 326,000 p.e.
Contracting method used Grontmij was responsible for design, preparation of tender documents,
and commissioning.

Project SHARON WWTP Zwolle, The Netherlands

Client Waterboard Groot Salland
Capacity 600 m3/day, Ammonium removal 410 kg per day.
Year 2001-2003 (Operational)
Description A system for the treatment of nitrogen rich wastewater (centrate)
produced during dewatering of digested sludge. The capacity of WWTP
Zwolle is 200,000 p.e.
Contracting method used Grontmij was responsible for design, preparation of tender documents,
construction supervision and commissioning.

SHARON | 26 SHARON | 27
 SHARON Linköping (SE)

At the wastewater treatment plant in Linköping an existing sequencing batch reactor for treatment

of digested sludge liquors is refurbished into a SHARON reactor.

The municipal wastewater treatment plant of Linköping

is operated by Tekniska Verken. The primary and
secondary sludges that are produced on site are
digested and the digested sludge is dewatered in
centrifuges. Previously the digested sludge liquors were
treated in a sequencing batch reactor prior to return to
the main works, using a conventionel activated sludge
system. Refurbishment of the liquor treatment plant was
required to increase the capacity of the system and to
achieve better process stability, Tekniska Verken has
selected the SHARON process for nitrogen removal over
nitrite as the prefered method of liquor treatment.
Grontmij Sweden was responsible for construction.
The process design was supplied by Grontmij Nederland.

Location Characteristics
Sweden SHARON: 490m3/day
610 kg/day NH4
Clients Influent: Centrate
Tekniska Verken N-removal: >96%
Operational: 2009
Period
2009 - 2009

SHARON | 29
 SHARON Seine Grésillons (F)

OTV, in a joint venture with Bouygues Traveaux Publics, has been selected by SIAAP (Syndicat Interdépartmental

pour l’Assainissement de l’Agglomeration Parisienne) for the extension of the wastewater treatment plant Seine

Grésillons. The project will triple the capacity of the plant to 300,000 m3/day and will add sludge digestion,

dewatering and drying to the process.

OTV have selected the SHARON process for treatment of

dewatering liquors and condensate from the sludge
dryer. The SHARON system will have a capacity of 3200
m3/day and will remove 3500 kg/day of ammonia.

SHARON is a high active process for N-removal operating

without sludge retention. Due to differences in growth
rate nitrite oxidisers are washed out of the system while
ammonia oxidisers can be maintained, resulting in
N-removal over nitrite instead of nitrate. N-removal with
SHARON via nitrite has the following advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% of the aeration energy;
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition;
• denitrification of nitrite at high temperatures reduces
sludge production by 50%;
• simple process with high process stability.

Grontmij, as a subcontractor to OTV, is responsible for

process design and commissioning. The SHARON
process will come into operation in 2012.

Location Characteristics
France, Paris region SHARON: 3200m3/day
3500 kg/day NH4
Clients Influent: Centrate
OTV on behalf of SIAAP N-removal: >96%
Operational: 2012
Period
2008 - 2010

SHARON | 31
 SHARON Geneva (CH)

Geneva (Switzerland) has selected the SHARON process for nitrogen removal for the extension of the

wastewater treatment plant Aïre 2. SHARON is a proprietary technology developed by Grontmij.

In a joint project team with the client, Grontmij is responsible for process design, preliminary design,

process control and automation systems, and assistance with start-up and operation.

The plant will be operational in 2010.

The wastewater treatment plant Aïre 2 at Geneva is one
of the three largest wastewater treatment plants in
Switzerland. The capacity amounts to 600,000
population equivalents at a maximum hydraulic capacity
of 18.000 m3/h. The plant discharges the treated
wastewater of the city of Geneva into the river Rhône.
SIG has selected the SHARON process in an extensive
system selection procedure, including a technological
evaluation and additional site visits in the Netherlands
and Austria. SHARON is selected for reasons of proven
process stability, flexibility, robustness of operation and
the competitive investment and operational costs.

Currently the plant fails to meet standards for nitrogen

removal during the winter period. Supplementary
treatment capacity is necessary, also because of an
expected increase in load in the near future. Services
Industriels de Genève (SIG; the public utility of Geneva)
has evaluated a number of specific nitrogen removal
systems and has selected the SHARON technology of
Grontmij as the best available technology. The
construction of the SHARON system is part of an
extension program for the total treatment plant.

© SIG

Location Characteristics
Switzerland Geneva WWTP: 600,000 p.e.
SHARON: 1600m3/day
Clients 1700 kg/day NH4
Services Industriels de Genève (SIG©) Influent: Centrate
N-removal: >95%
Period Operational: 2010
2007 - 2010

SHARON | 33
 SHARON Whitlingham STC (UK)

The SHARON Liquor Treatment Plant forms part of Anglian Water’s Bio-solids capital programme with

particular regard to their Whitlingham STC (Sludge Treatment Centre) upgrade scheme.

The overall bio-solids project at Whitlingham comprises
the upgrading of the existing sludge treatment plant to
provide increased capacity. The processed sludge is to be
treated to ADAS Enhanced Treatment Standards.
A consequence of increasing the sludge treatment
capacity and the degree of treatment is that the
associated liquor flow and loads will also increase to the
detriment of the works discharge consent standards.
There is a need therefore, to install a new Liquor
Treatment Plant (LTP), to reduce the aqueous ammonia
concentrations contained in the liquors.
Following a detailed appraisal of available process
options, including the undertaking of Risk & Value
Intervention (R&VI) analysis; the Grontmij SHARON
(Stable High Ammonia Removal Over Nitrite) process is
the preferred selection for the Whitlingham STC site.
SHARON will achieve a removal efficiency of 96%
Grontmij, as a subcontractor to Black &Veatch Ltd, is
responsible for process design and commissioning.
The SHARON process will come into operation in 2010.

The return liquors to be treated in the LTP arise from the

post-digestion dewatering. Upstream feed sludges to
the digesters are first processed within a thermal
hydrolysis (CAMBI) plant prior to anaerobic digestion at
the mesophilic level. THP results in enhanced
biodegradability of sludge in the digestors. As a
consequence ammonia concentrations in the
dewatering liquors will be in the range of 2000 to
3000 mg/l.

Location Characteristics
United Kingdom Norwich SHARON: 900m3/day
1500 kg/day NH4
Clients Influent: Centrate
Black & Veatch Ltd on behalf of Anglian Water N-removal: >96%
Operational: 2010
Period
2008 - 2010

SHARON | 35
 SHARON MVPC Shell Green (UK)

United Utilities has selected the SHARON process for removal of nitrogen from centrate at the MVPC (Shell

Green) centre for sludge processing. Grontmij, as a subconractor to S3JV, is responsible for process design and

commissioning.

The MVPC (Shell Green) is United Utilities regional
dewatering and incineration centre, located in the
Mersey Valley near Widnes. The existing works comprises
of sludge dewatering and two streams of incineration. As
part of a major extension project, the Veolia Water /
Costain; Stream Three Joint Venture (S3JV) have been
appointed by United Utilities to design and construct a
third incineration stream, along with the replacement of
the existing dewatering process and various ancillary
plant and equipment necessary for the operation of the
new stream. The increase in dewatering capacity will
lead to an increase in the load of ammonia discharged
with centrate. United Utilities have been informed by the
Environmental Agency that a proportion of the centrate
will have to be treated to remove ammonia. After pilot
trials on site, United Utilities have selected the SHARON
process as the prefered method of centrate treatment.
SHARON is a high active process for N-removal operating
without sludge retention. Due to differences in growth
rate nitrite oxidisers are washed out of the system while
ammonia oxidisers can be maintained, resulting in
N-removal over nitrite instead of nitrate. N-removal with
SHARON via nitrite has the following advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% of the aeration energy
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition
• denitrification of nitrite at high temperatures reduces
sludge production by 50%
• simple process with high process stability.
Grontmij, as a subcontractor to S3JV, is responsible for
process design and commissioning. The SHARON
process will come into operation in 2010.

Location Characteristics
United Kingdom Widnes SHARON: 1400m3/day
1600 kg/day NH4
Clients Influent: Centrate
Stream Three Joint Venture (Veolia, Costain) N-removal: >96%
on behalf of United Utilities Operational: 2010

Period
2008 - 2010

Partner(s)
Grontmij Ltd. (UK)

SHARON | 37
 SHARON New York (USA)

New York City has developed a Comprehensive Nitrogen Management Plan to reduce the aggregate effluent

nitrogen loading from Water Pollution Control Plants (WPCPs) to the Upper East River and Jamaica Bay. Separate

centrate treatment has been identified as an integral part of this plan, since up to 40% of nitrogen loading at

WPCPs with centralized dewatering facilities is directly attributable to centrate loading.

Pilot research by the New York City Department of
Environmental Protection related to nitrogen removal
and other related operational issues, showed SHARON to
demonstrate significant potential as a highly efficient,
cost effective and environmentally sound process for the
removal of high levels of nitrogen from centrate.
Under the Management Plan, New York City has built a
demonstration plant for the SHARON system at Wards
Island WPCP. This SHARON will treat centrate produced at
the plant in the sludge dewatering facility. This facility
dewaters anaerobically digested sludge produced at
Wards Island and at two other WPCPs.

SHARON is a high active process for N-removal operating Grontmij, who is the owner of the proprietary SHARON
without sludge retention. Due to differences in growth technology, is responsible for design, commissioning
rate nitrite oxidisers are washed out of the system while and process start-up. The SHARON for Wards Island
ammonia oxidisers can be maintained, resulting in WPCP, with a capacity of 5000 kg NH4-N per day, will
N-removal over nitrite instead of nitrate. be operational in 2009.
N-removal with SHARON via nitrite has several
advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% on aeration energy;
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition;
• denitrification of nitrite at high temperatures reduces
sludge production by 50%;
• simple process with high process stability.

New York City considers it prudent to evaluate this

innovative, yet proven, technology at demonstration
scale to determine its applicability as part of the long
term nitrogen reduction plan for New York City and to
verify the potential cost savings as a result of
implementation of this process.

Location Characteristics
United States New York WPCP: 250 MGD
SHARON: 1.85 MGD
Clients 5000 kg NH4/day
NYCDEP Influent: Centrate
N-removal: >95%
Period Operational: 2009
2003 - 2009

SHARON | 39
 SHARON Garmerwolde (NL)

The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at Garmerwolde (Groningen, The Netherlands) is refurbished to meet

future effluent standards. Part of the refurbishment is the construction of a SHARON system for treatment of

flows produced at the sludge dewatering and sludge drying facilities at Garmerwolde. At WWTP Garmerwolde

locally produced sludge is anaerobically digested and, together with sludge imported from other facilities,

dewatered and dried. The filtrate produced in the sludge dewatering process together with the condensate

produced in the sludge drying process contribute approximately 34% of the total nitrogen load to WWTP

Garmerwolde.

The Waterboard Noorderzijlvest, who owns WWTP
Garmerwolde, has selected the SHARON process as
preferred method for filtrate and condensate treatment
on the basis of overall treatment cost, high guaranteed
ammonia removal efficiency, stable operations and
proven track record.
SHARON is a high active process for N-removal operating
without sludge retention. Due to differences in growth
rate nitrite oxidisers are washed out of the system while
ammonia oxidisers can be maintained, resulting in
N-removal over nitrite instead of nitrate.
N-removal with SHARON via nitrite has several
advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% on aeration energy;
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition;
• denitrification of nitrite at high temperatures reduces
sludge production by 50%;
• simple process with high process stability.
Grontmij, as main contractor and owner of the
proprietary SHARON technology, was responsible for the
design and construction of the SHARON system and
operated the SHARON for one year.

Location Characteristics
Netherlands Groningen WWTP: 300,000 p.e.
SHARON: 2500 kg NH4/day
Clients Influent: Filtrate and condensate
Waterschap Noorderzijlvest N-removal: >95%
Operational: 2005
Period
2004 - 2006

SHARON | 41
 SHARON The Hague (NL)

Under European regulation, The Netherlands is required to achieve an overall nitrogen removal efficiency of 75%

in 2006 for urban wastewater. The wastewater treatment plant Houtrust at The Hague, with a capacity of 930,000

population equivalents, is a significant contributor to nitrogen discharge in The Netherlands. WWTP Houtrust

has been refurbished to meet European nitrogen removal standards in 2008.

To decrease the nitrogen load in the effluent in the

period up to 2008, the Waterboard Delfland, together
with its private operating partner Delfluent, has selected
the SHARON process for centrate treatment. The
SHARON process was selected for its proven nitrogen
removal efficiency, low operating and construction cost
and proven process stability. Grontmij has constructed
the SHARON process at WWTP Houtrust as a turnkey
project, with guarantees to have the system available
within six months of the contract execution date.

SHARON is a high active process for N-removal operating

without sludge retention.
Due to differences in growth rate nitrite oxidisers are
washed out of the system while
ammonia oxidisers can be maintained, resulting in
N-removal over nitrite instead of
nitrate. N-removal with SHARON via nitrite has the
following advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% of the aeration energy
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition
• reduces sludge production by 30%
• reduces CO2-emission by 20%
• simple process with high process stability

Location Characteristics
Netherlands The Hague WWTP: 930,000 p.e.
SHARON: 1200 kg NH4/day
Clients Influent: Centrate
Delfluent Services bv N-removal: >95%
Operational: 2005
Period
2004 - 2006

SHARON | 43
 SHARON Beverwijk (NL)

New legislation for N-removal required optimisation of the Beverwijk WWTP. The Hoogheemraadschap Hollands

Noorderkwartier (HHNK) is responsible for the treatment of wastewater in the region north of Amsterdam.

Wastewater sludge produced at the WWTP’s in the region of the Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier

is dried at a central location situated next to Beverwijk WWTP. The condensate produced during the drying

process is nitrogen rich and discharged to the Beverwijk WWTP. A study of the N-balance of the WWTP showed

that a significant fraction of the nitrogen is recirculated from the sludge digestion (so-called rejection water)

towards the activated sludge tanks. Together with the condensate of the drying process this amounts to 30% of

the total N-load of the WWTP. Removing this load will directly result in a significant decrease of the total N-load

in the effluent.

Several techniques for treatment of the rejection water
were evaluated, including lab test and pilot tests at large
wwtp’s. This research was initiated by STOWA (the Dutch
foundation for Applied Water Research). The SHARON
(pat.) process pointed out to be the most cost-effective
technique.
After successful laboratory tests it was decided to design
and construct a full scale process without performing an
intermediate pilot test. Grontmij designed the system,
assisted the Water Authority with the selection of a
general contractor and with construction supervision
and is responsible for process commissioning.

SHARON has been originally developed at the Technical The SHARON system of Beverwijk WWTP is operational
University of Delft (TUD). It concerns a high active since 2003. The implementation of SHARON resulted in
process for N-removal operating without sludge an overall 2% nitrogen discharge reduction of the total
retention. Due to differences in growth rate nitrite area serviced by the Hoogheemraadschap Hollands
oxidisers are washed out of the system while ammonia Noorderkwartier.
oxidisers can be maintained, resulting in N-removal over
nitrite instead of nitrate. N-removal with SHARON via
nitrite has the following advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% of the aeration energy;
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition;
• denitrification of nitrite at high temperatures reduces
sludge production by 50%;
• simple process with high process stability.

Location Characteristics
Netherlands Beverwijk WWTP: 320,000 p.e.
SHARON: 1200 kg NH4/day
Clients Influent: rejection water and condensate
Water Authority HHNK (NL) N-removal: >95%
Operational: 2003
Period
2002 - 2003

Partner(s)
TUD

SHARON | 45
 SHARON Zwolle (NL)

The Groot Salland Water Board has constructed a SHARON (pat.) reactor for the purpose of sidestream

treatment at the sludge treatment site of the WWTP Zwolle. Grontmij was responsible of the system

design and specifications.

The sludge dewatering plant in Zwolle processes more

than half of the sludge produced in the area managed by
the Groot Salland Water Board. The sludge, which is
digested at various locations, is dewatered by means of 2
centrifuges. This partial flow with a nitrogen
concentration of approximately 700 mg N/l represents a
daily nitrogen load of 15 to 20% of the nitrogen supply
at the sewage treatment plant. WWTP Zwolle was unable
to cope with the discharge of untreated centrate without
refurbishment of the main plant. The Water Board is
required to achieve a 75% nitrogen removal efficiency in
the service area.

Several different centrate treatment systems were

examined and compared. On the basis of qualitative and
quantitative considerations, a SHARON reactor was
chosen (Stable High activity Ammonia Removal Over
Nitrite). Grontmij was responsible for the preliminary
design, detailed design and tender specifications.The
plant is operational since 2003. It contributes to
improved nitrogen removal at the WWTP Zwolle and in
the area controlled by the Groot Salland Water Board.

Location Characteristics
Netherlands Zwolle WWTP: 200,000 p.e.
SHARON: 600m3/day
Clients 410 kg/day NH4
Waterboard Groot Salland Influent: Centrate
N-removal: >93%
Period Operational: 2003
2002 - 2003

SHARON | 47
 SHARON Rotterdam (NL)

New legislation for N-removal required optimisation of the Dokhaven WWTP of Rotterdam. This WWTP was

designed as a two-stage process. The two-stage process is well suitable for BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand)

removal as well as nitrification. However denitrification in the second stage is poor due to BOD shortage and a

high sludge loading rate.

A study of the nitrogen balance of the WWTP showed SHARON has been developed at the Delft University.
that a significant fraction of the nitrogen is recirculated After successful laboratory tests it was decided to design
from the sludge digestion (so-called rejection water) and construct a full scale process without performing an
towards the activated sludge tanks. This amounts to 15% intermediate pilot test. Grontmij in co-operation with the
of the total N-load of the WWTP. Therefore removing this Water Authority ZHEW did the detailed full-scale process
load will directly result in, at least, an equivalent design.
decrease of the total nitrogen load in the effluent.
Because there was no area available for extension a
Several techniques for treatment of the rejection water post-thickener had to be taken out of operation and was
were evaluated, including lab tests and pilot tests at converted into a SHARON reactor. The SHARON system
large wwtp’s. This research was initiated by STOWA (the has been successfully in operation since 1999. Since the
Dutch foundation for Applied Water Research). The implementation of SHARON the total nitrogen effluent
SHARON (pat.) process pointed out to be the most load of the Dokhaven WWTP dropped by over 30%. As a
cost-effective technique. It is a high active process for result ZHEW was able to meet the required N-removal
N-removal operating without sludge retention. Due to demands.
differences in growth rate nitrite oxidisers are washed
out of the system while ammonia oxidisers can be
maintained, resulting in N-removal over nitrite.
N-removal with SHARON via nitrite has the following
advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% of the aeration energy;
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition;
• nitrogen removal at high temperature reduces
biological sludge production by 50%.
• compact and simple process.

Location Characteristics
Netherlands Rotterdam Capacity: 470,000 pe
Influent: rejection water
Clients N-load: 830 kg/day
Water Authority ZHEW N-removal: >95%
Operational: since 1999
Period
1995 - 1999

Partner(s)
TU Delft and STOWA

SHARON | 49
 SHARON Utrecht (NL)

New legislation for N-removal required optimisation of the Utrecht WWTP which is operated by the Water

Authority HDSR. This WWTP was designed as a two-stage process. This two-stage process is suitable for BOD

(Biological Oxygen Demand) removal, nitrification and denitrification. However denitrification in the second

stage is poor due to BOD shortage and a high sludge loading rate.

A study of the N-balance of the WWTP showed that a After successful laboratory tests it was decided to design
significant fraction of the nitrogen is recirculated from and construct a full scale process without performing an
the sludge digestion (so-called rejection water) towards intermediate pilot test. Grontmij designed, built and
the activated sludge tanks. This amounts to 15% of the commissioned the SHARON plant of WWTP Utrecht.
total N-load of the WWTP. Removing this load will
directly result in a significant decrease of the total N-load The SHARON system has been successfully in operation
in the effluent. since 1999. Since the implementation of SHARON the
total nitrogen discharge load of the Utrecht WWTP
Several techniques for treatment of the rejection water dropped by 30%. As a result the Water Authority HDSR
were evaluated, including lab test and pilot tests at large can meet the strict nitrogen discharge standards.
wwtp’s. This research was initiated by STOWA (the Dutch
foundation for Applied Water Research). The SHARON
process pointed out to be the most cost-effective
technique. SHARON has been originally developed at the
Technical University of Delft (TUD). It concerns a high
active process for N-removal operating without sludge
retention. Due to differences in growth rate nitrite
oxidisers are washed out of the system while ammonia
oxidisers can be maintained, resulting in N-removal over
nitrite instead of nitrate. N-removal with SHARON via
nitrite has the following advantages:
• oxidation to nitrite saves 25% of the aeration energy
• denitrification of nitrite saves 40% on BOD addition
• denitrification of nitrite at high temperatures reduces
sludge production by 50%
• simple process with high process stability

Location Characteristics
Netherlands Utrecht WWTP: 400,000 p.e.
SHARON: 900 kg/day NH4
Clients Influent: Filtrate
Water Authority HDSR (NL) N-removal: >95%
Operational: 1997
Period
1996 - 1997

Partner(s)
TUD and STOWA

SHARON | 51
Contact

Henk Wim de Mooij

Project Manager SHARON

E henkwim.demooij@grontmij.nl

T +31 30 220 78 75

When Grontmij N.V. was founded in 1915, its vision was sustainable land consolidation and reclamation for the agricultural
sector and the development of the rural areas. Almost a century later, the company has developed and grown, but it is
essentially the same: Grontmij creates value for its customers and shareholders by designing and realising sustainable
living and working environments.

Grontmij’s mission is to be the best local service provider for design, consultancy, management, engineering and
contracting in the environmental, water, energy, building, industry and transportation sectors. We aim to achieve this
through the design and realisation of plans for the future together with the people and parties in our regions.
Grontmij creates value for its customers and shareholders by designing and realising sustainable living and working
environments.

SHARON | 53
www.grontmij.com