Start-Up Evaluation of a Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plant Consisting of a UASB Reactor Followed by Activated Sludge

UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) reactors have been recognized as a viable option for sewage treatment. However, in order to improve the effluent quality, some type of post-treatment must be implemented. The aims this study were (i) establish start-up methodology full-scale anaerobic–aerobic system treating sewage, (ii) evaluate concentrations different constituents influent and aerobic well removal efficiencies every step system, (iii) define relevant operative aspects reactors. Tunja (Colombia) wastewater treatment plant consists three modules with preliminary followed by activated sludge. results investigation showed that meets Colombian environmental legislation average efficiency values BOD (88 +/? 5%), COD (87 4%), TSS (94 5%). reactor was conducted without an inoculum, requiring period 120 days. evaluation combined systems over 300 Moreover, operate during after defined. It demonstrated can deteriorate tank. In avoid this, important operational considered operation such implementation raw bypass higher than 15% monitoring settleable solid concentration (<0.3 mL/L).