Performance evaluation of anaerobic baffled reactor and filter for treating medium-strength wastewater using natural sludge growth and different hydraulic retention times

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) filter (AF) in treating medium-strength wastewater under natural sludge growth conditions different hydraulic retention times (HRT) 12h 24h. ABR has five compartments with a total capacity 71 L, whereas AF 70% sponge bio-media volume 51 L. Both reactors required 13 weeks achieve steady-state without adding seeds during startup phase. During that period, suspended solid (TSS) removal was 80-90% only 60-70% ABR. Furthermore, average COD determined be 50-60% 70-80% HRT 24h, respectively, but these could accomplish 40-50%. To conclude, running 24h performs better than other conditions. In case, it due presence each compartment, which plays important role retaining particles system. initial attachment media may enhance active microorganisms reactor, resulting increased through organic digestion.