Biological Phosphate Removal from Wastewaters

Biological Phosphate Removal from Wastewaters contains the proceedings of an International Association on Water Pollution Research and Control Specialized Conference held in Rome, Italy on September 28-30, 1987. Contributors review advances that have been made in the removal of biological phosphates from wastewaters, both at the fundamental scientific level and in the practical application of the process. Topics range from the fundamental microbiology and biochemistry of the enhanced biological removal of phosphate to the practical full-scale plant experiences with phosphorus removal and sludge handling from such processes. This text is comprised of 43 chapters; the first of which describes the utilization of polyphosphate as an energy reserve in Acinetobacter sp. and activated sludge. Attention then turns to metabolic control in polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria and its role in enhancing biological phosphate removal. The biochemistry and energetics of biological phosphorus removal are also considered. The next section is devoted to process modeling and includes chapters that explore the kinetics of biological excess phosphorus removal; factors affecting anaerobic stabilization during biological phosphorus removal; and the behavior of magnesium in biological phosphate removal. In the next section, bench/pilot-scale studies are presented; one of which investigated the reduction of returned phosphorus from a sludge treatment process. The book concludes with a discussion on phosphate removal mechanisms and pilot- and full-scale experiences. This book will be of interest to students, practitioners, and policymakers in water pollution control.