Bulking control with ozonation in a nutrient removal activated sludge system

The control of sludge bulking by ozonation was studied on four parallel pilot-scale (110 l/d) biological nutrient removal systems. Bulking was caused by filamentous organisms which typically occur in nutrient removal systems, i.e. Type 0092, Type 0041 and Microthrix parvicella. Continuous dosing of ozone, at 1; 2 and 4 g O3 /kg mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS).d resulted in a diluted sludge volume index of about 50 ml/g less than the unozonated control. Ozonation was more effective in the sludge cycle than directly into the aeration basin. Nitrification-denitrification was not affected, not even at dosages of 30 g O3/kg MLSS.d. Biological phosphate removal was not affected by any of the ozone dosages either. The removal of COD was improved, as was colour and suspended solids.